UK Companies Leading the Way on Renewable Energy

As we face an escalating climate crisis, the shift towards renewable energy has never been more critical. In the UK, several companies are at the forefront of this green revolution, championing sustainability and innovation.

This blog will explore how different companies are leading the renewable charge within the UK.

Ripple Energy

Ripple Energy is transforming the renewable energy market in the UK with its innovative co-ownership model. This model empowers consumers to purchase shares in renewable energy projects. By becoming co-owners, customers directly support the generation of clean energy; energy is then supplied to the grid, and the resulting savings are reflected in their electricity bills.

This forward-thinking approach allows individuals to invest in large-scale wind and solar farms, offering an accessible and impactful way to engage with green energy.

Household owners can expect to save between £104 and £369 per year on their electricity bills, in addition to cutting up to 3,389kg of CO2 annually.

Key benefits to Ripple Energy’s approach:

Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering carbon emissions.
Customers can see a reduction in energy bills, making renewable energy not only affordable but also financially rewarding.
Customers have clear visibility of their investments. They can see exactly where their money is going and the positive impact it’s making.

https://propflo.co.uk/ripple-energy

Ripple’s first project, the Graig Fatha wind farm in South Wales, has been a great success, with thousands of co-owners already reaping the benefits. Looking ahead, Ripple is set to expand its portfolio, providing more opportunities for UK households to invest in renewable energy.

Ecotricity

Ecotricity is the UK’s largest renewable energy supplier, generating and supplying electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and green gas made from organic material.

As a pioneering green energy company, Ecotricity was founded in 1995 with a mission to change the way energy is made and used in Britain. They reinvest their profits back into creating more renewable energy sources, ensuring a greener future for all.

Key features and initiatives:

100% Green Electricity: Ecotricity provides electricity generated entirely from renewable sources.
Green Gas: They offer carbon-neutral gas made from renewable sources, primarily grass.
Electric Highway: A nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, making it easier for EV owners to travel sustainably across the country.
Investment into Renewable Projects: Profits from Ecotricity are reinvested into new renewable energy projects, including wind farms, solar parks, and pioneering green gas mills.
Environmental Campaigns: Beyond energy supply, Ecotricity is actively involved in environmental advocacy. They support wildlife conservation, promote sustainable living, and campaign for policies that combat climate change. Check out some of Ecotricity’s campaigns here.

https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-news/2021/ecotricity-explains-making-gas-from-grass

Choosing Ecotricity means supporting a company dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and the fight against climate change. They are a prime example of how businesses can drive the renewable energy transition and create a positive impact on the environment.

Octopus Energy

Founded in 2019, Octopus Energy is committed to making green energy accessible and affordable to British consumers. With the recent acquisition of Shell Energy’s household gas and electricity business, Octopus Energy has become the second-largest energy firm in the country, after British Gas. They provide 100% renewable electricity sourced from wind, solar, and hydro, ensuring every household can contribute to a sustainable future.

Beyond energy supply, Octopus Energy promotes sustainability through initiatives and partnerships, driving the transition to renewable energy and solidifying their leadership in the UK’s green energy market.

Ethical Power

Ethical Power is reshaping the UK energy landscape with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. As a green energy supplier, they offer 100% renewable electricity from sources like wind and solar. Their mission extends beyond energy supply, emphasising transparency and fair business practices.

What sets Ethical Power apart:

Ethical Business Model: They prioritise transparency and fairness in their operations, ensuring customers know exactly what they are paying for.
Community Focus: Active in supporting local initiatives and investing in community projects to foster social responsibility.
Environmental Impact: Committed to reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability through their 100% renewable energy supply.
Customer-Centric Approach: Offers straightforward, no-hidden-fees tariffs, making green energy both accessible and affordable.

Ethical Power is dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental responsibility. By aligning their business model with social and environmental goals, they set a high standard for ethical leadership in the green energy sector.

At Floom Creative we have worked closely with Ethical Power helping to highlight their core values, diverse teams, and impactful projects. We were able to effectively convey Ethical Power’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration across various departments. By highlighting the global impact of their projects and the commitment of their teams, the video offered viewers a well-rounded perspective of Ethical Power’s diverse identity.

Take a look at the short video we produced:

Ethical Power- Delivering the Future of Energy

Click here for a more indepth look at our recent collaboration with Ethical Power.

Oxford PV

Oxford PV is leading the way in solar technology innovation with its cutting-edge perovskite solar cells. Perovskite cells absorb more light and are flexible, allowing for diverse applications and innovative installations.

At the start of 2024 Oxford PV set a new world record for solar panel efficiency in its perovskite cells, achieving an impressive 28.6% efficiency.

Notably these cells can have great applications, for example their ability to be printed on glass, allowing for a significant increase in energy generated through renewable sources, when implemented correctly.

https://www.oxfordpv.com/news/oxford-pv-sets-new-solar-panel-efficiency-world-record-0

Tokamak Energy

Tokamak Energy is pioneering the future of clean energy with its innovative approach to nuclear fusion. Utilising spherical tokamaks (a machine that uses magnets to hold hot plasma to facilitate a nuclear fusion reaction), the company aims to make fusion a viable and sustainable energy source.

Tokamak Energy has achieved significant milestones, including reaching record plasma temperatures and advancing the development of its ST40 fusion device. These achievements bring them closer to delivering commercial fusion energy.

By advancing fusion technology, Tokamak Energy aims to provide a limitless, clean energy source, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a sustainable energy future. Their work represents a crucial step towards making fusion power a reality.

Take a look at how the spherical tokamak works:

The spherical tokamak: How does it work? And what are the benefits?

UK Renewable Policies in 2024

To increase the uptake of renewable energy in the UK and lower net emissions, the new labour government has removed the ‘absurd’ ban on onshore wind farms (18th July 2024). This move, announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves, will boost energy independence and sets a commitment of doubling the capacity of onshore wind in Britain, by 2030.

Mike Childs described this announcement as an “important stride to delivering our climate goals, while also paving the way for lower bills”.

In conjunction to lifting this ban, the UK government has also stated, within the National Policy Statement (EN-3), that it is a ‘national priority’ to develop more low-carbon infrastructure, such as solar farms. This comes in light of the significant increase in rejected project applications, in 2021 and 2022.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/department-energy-security-net-zero-newsletter-january-2024-nqtmc

The new Labour government also plans to impose a ban on new North Sea oil and gas exploration, following criticism that it is not inline with the UK’s net zero targets.

However, it is important to note that the UK is currently considered to be ‘off-track’ in its net zero targets. Only a third of emissions reductions necessary to achieve 2030 goals are backed by concrete plans. Professor Piers Forster describes the UK getting back on track as a ‘matter of urgency’.

What Should We Do as a Consumer?

The rise of these innovative companies highlights the growing opportunities for UK consumers to support and benefit from renewable energy. By choosing green energy suppliers households can contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying tangible benefits.

Here’s how we can make a meaningful impact:

Choose Renewable Energy Suppliers: Opt for energy providers that offer 100% renewable electricity. By supporting these companies, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner energy landscape.
Invest in Sustainable Practices: Look for suppliers who invest in renewable projects and innovate in sustainable technology. Your choice of energy provider can support advancements in green energy, from wind and solar farms to community-focused initiatives.
Be Informed About Tariffs: Understand the tariffs and pricing models of different energy suppliers. Choose transparent and fair pricing options that reflect the true cost of green energy and avoid hidden fees.
Support Green Innovations: Engage with companies that are not only supplying green energy but also driving environmental advocacy and supporting local projects.
Promote Energy Efficiency: In addition to switching to renewable energy, adopt energy-saving practices at home. Reducing your overall energy consumption complements your choice of a green energy supplier and maximises your environmental impact.

To conclude, UK companies are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, driving innovation and empowering consumers to actively participate in a sustainable future. Their efforts are crucial in shaping a greener UK and reducing carbon footprints. By making informed choices and supporting renewable energy initiatives, we can all contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.