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kessingland

Latest news

As well as being our largest project to date, the deal marks another major step in our ambitious growth plans to double generation capacity within the next five years. It is the second project to be funded by Fair Play Clean Energy Ltd, Thrive’s Joint Venture with TopCashback Sustainability, which brings together a combined £80 million in capital to fund new clean energy projects in the UK.
Construction of the proposed 14-turbine site is expected to start in 2025, with commissioning planned by the end of 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating up to 149,400 MWh of clean electricity per year, the equivalent of powering 46,100 average UK homes<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>, and delivering 65,300 tonnes of emissions reductions<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a>.
The Whitelaw Brae wind project was originally owned by developer, BayWa r.e., with Thrive acquiring the project in December 2024 following the successful completion of a competitive tender in October 2024.
Thrive has a record of delivering community and shared ownership, both at our own sites and by providing funding for community-owned energy projects. Now, we’ve acquired Whitelaw Brae, we aim to facilitate shared ownership at this site with Ripple Energy&#8217;s latest coop.

The wind farm site is located 15 km north of Moffat and 3 km south of Tweedsmuir. It is also near the River Tweed which, as part of the £25 million Destination Tweed initiative, will see the creation of a 113-mile source to sea River Tweed Trail connecting communities and attractions along the length of the river from Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The project aims to improve the landscape and river habitat and offer a unique experience to locals and visitors alike, expected to be completed across five years.  
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[1] Based on an annual generation of 149GWh and calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) showing that UK average domestic household consumption is 3,239kWh per annum <a id="menur1gr" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/" href="https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/">https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/</a>
[1] Calculated using DESNZ’s “all non-renewable fuels” emissions statistic of 437 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2024) <a id="menur1gt" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/" href="https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/">https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/</a>

thrive-renewables-7

Thrive Renewables

From funding some of the UK’s first onshore wind farms in the early 1990s to a new 14-turbine site, we’re harnessing the country’s abundant wind resource to deliver clean power to homes and businesses.

We’ve acquired the development rights for our biggest project to date – a 57MW onshore wind farm in Scotland

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It’s less “drill, baby, drill” and more mill, baby, mill! In fact, it’s got us thinking about how getting to net zero is not only about delivering new projects but making the most of those that already exist.
<h3>What is repowering?</h3>
Repowering is when an existing project – like an onshore wind turbine – is upgraded to make it more efficient and productive. It normally takes place once the turbine or wind farm has reached the end of its original design life (usually after 25-30 years) and, because of innovations in technology, often sees multiple smaller turbines replaced with fewer, larger – but more modern and powerful – machines.
This normally increases the site capacity, for example when Caton Moor wind farm was repowered back in 2006, we were able to increase the annual power yield seven-fold. Importantly, it also means that asset owners can streamline the process that comes with developing a new project as the existing site has already been proven to be suitable for wind, will continue to be used for the same activity and has been granted planning permission previously.
<h3>What are the benefits of repowering? </h3>
1. Makes the most of our available onshore wind and land resources and reduces waste
One of the first things we saw the new Government introduce last summer was updated targets for renewable energy development in the UK, including a goal of 30GW of onshore wind by 2030. While it’s important to recognise that yes, we do need to add new capacity – including onshore wind – to the grid, we can’t forget that there are a finite number of sites that will be suitable for these technologies. It makes exercises like repowering a vital part of the journey as the land has already been allocated and in a prime location that makes the most of the country’s abundant natural resources.
It&#8217;s also worth noting that repowering can be done in a conscious way to reduce waste as parts can be recycled or reused – like with Caton Moor, the turbines which were removed from the site were re-erected in Poland within weeks of their removal.
2. Continued access to clean, homegrown power 
Onshore wind is currently one of the cleanest, cheapest and quickest ways to generate electricity and is vital to improving our energy security – making sure the country is less exposed to the price volatility that comes with using fossil fuels. However, in its 2024 manifesto, RenewableUK estimated that by 2040 we are in danger of losing almost 9GW of onshore wind (compared to the current total capacity of 15GW) as it reaches the end of its life. By repowering these sites, we won’t lose important generating capacity at a critical time for both the UK and planet, helping to accelerate the transition at the pace and scale required for net zero.
3. Community benefit 
We know that the majority of communities are supportive of onshore wind. In fact, according to the government’s latest polling, 7 in 10 (78%) are supportive of the technology and recognise its role in lowering bills, improving energy security and tackling climate change.
Repowering gives host communities the opportunity to continue benefitting from onshore wind, whether it be through the creation of local green jobs or support for local initiatives via community benefit funds. For example, Thrive’s voluntary Community Benefit Programme makes energy efficiency grants available to community buildings close to our sites. Since 2016, we’ve awarded 70 grants totalling over £225,000, helping to make important local spaces warmer and cheaper to run.
<h3>What are the barriers we need to overcome?</h3>
It was positive to see that the Government will include UK repowering projects in the next round of its annual Contracts for Difference scheme, creating the opportunity for onshore wind farms to utilise finance when funding repowering.  Access to the CfD should accelerate the repowering process, making the investment decision to seamlessly progress from the maturing site to the repowered opportunity more straight forward.
But we still need to see continued support and even a clear planning presumption or incentive in favour of repowering – not just for onshore wind but other renewable technologies too. This will then help engage local authorities around what we do with aging infrastructure and empower them to deal with applications appropriately as part of their wider transition plans.
The other challenge is grid connection. Even if a project can be successfully repowered, due to the current grid constraints asset owners may not be able to access additional grid capacity that would allow them to increase the generation capability of the wind farm. It means that they’ll be capped at the original generating capacity whilst waiting for the queues for grid capacity to subside, meaning the UK may not be able to realise the full benefits of repowering until these issues have been solved.
Grid reform recently featured in the Government’s Clean Power Action Plan, citing that NESO and Ofgem will provide a framework through which NESO can work with Transmission Owners (TOs) and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to prioritise the projects needed for 2030, as well as maintain a robust pipeline beyond 2030. As with other ongoing policy reform, we’ll be keeping an eye on how this unfolds and contribute to the appropriate public consultations what will hopefully help to accelerate our transition to a cleaner, fairer energy system in the UK.

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Chris Watt Photography_209

It’s not all about the new “stuff”, we also need to consider how to make the most of our aging projects if we’re to meet net zero. 

Mill, baby, mill – Repowering to net zero

✅  Commitment to speeding up grid connections for renewable projects that are ready to go
✅  Promises to build on existing approaches to community benefits within the onshore wind sector as part of a fair and inclusive energy transition.
✅  Streamlining the planning process for critical infrastructure and new projects

The changes in the Action Plan are broadly welcome, however the urgency of the situation must not be underestimated. Only recently, the National Energy Systems Operator (NESO) described the UK’s 2030 clean power target as “ambitious but achievable” if renewables are expanding swiftly and significantly – doubling onshore wind and tripling solar.
Whilst the government’s clean power plan shows promising steps towards accelerating large-scale renewables, it is in danger of overlooking the importance of small to medium sized, local projects. These are the projects that put local communities at the heart of the energy transition. Smaller projects can fit better into the local landscape and generate electricity closer to where it is used, potentially reducing the number of pylons needed nationally.
We also need to make the most of the clean energy capacity that is already available to us by repowering existing projects i.e. replacing older wind turbines with fewer, more modern and efficient ones. For example, the 150m Ambition Community Energy wind turbine that was part funded by Thrive and built in 2023 can generate more than double the power of each single 125m wind turbine at our neighbouring Avonmouth wind farm built in 2014.
As we head into the new year let’s work together to keep the momentum up and push for urgent change at national, regional and local level to accelerate the rollout of the much-needed renewables revolution.

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We share our thoughts on the government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. 

Let’s not forget smaller, local projects in the “new era of clean electricity”

We know there’s a lot more left to do, but it’s important to celebrate the positives (no matter how small!) so that we start the New Year feeling even more motivated in our mission to accelerate the UK energy transition.   
1. Renewables are about to take over fossil fuels for the first time ever  
At the time of writing, the UK is on track to make a major breakthrough – with renewable energy generation set to overtake fossil fuels for the first full year. According to the think tank, Ember, the country’s naturally abundant wind, solar and hydro resources will generate 37% of the UK’s electricity in 2024 compared to fossil fuels (35%) – this will be the first time that renewables have outperformed fossil fuels consistently across four quarters.  
That might not sound like a lot, but it’s important to recognise how far we’ve come, especially as just three years ago fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity and renewables generated 27%. 
2. Government puts net zero at the heart of its plans  
A new Government was elected in July and the party made a number of quick policy announcements, reaffirming its commitment to net zero and recognising the swift action that is needed if the country is to meet its climate targets. 
There were a number of promises made as part of its election manifesto – including the creation of a nationalised energy company (Great British Energy), radical planning reform, more support for local power generation and the promise of a rooftop solar revolution. While we’ll have to wait and see how some of these evolve, there has already been strong progress in some important areas – including the removal of the effective ban on onshore wind and the UK’s biggest Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction to date, with the budget increasing from £1 billion to over £1.5 billion. Over 130 wind, solar and tidal projects secured long term price stability, including our Abergorkie wind farm site in Wales.  
Last week, we also saw the announcement of the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675bfaa4cfbf84c3b2bcf986/clean-power-2030-action-plan.pdf">Government’s Clean Power 2030 action plan</a>, which outlines how it will achieve the “most ambitious reforms to our energy system in generations”. Key measures include speeding up planning decisions and reducing grid connection times, as well as a focus on ensuring that communities directly benefit from clean energy infrastructure. 
3. We breezed past a new milestone for wind generation 
The UK achieved 30GW of wind capacity this year, following the successful powering of the 434MW Viking wind farm on the Shetland Islands in August. According to RenewableUK, 30GW is enough to meet the annual power needs of 26 million homes and can cut carbon emissions by more than 35 million tonnes a year. 
As one of the first companies to fund UK wind farms in the early 90s, we have long believed in the power of these mighty machines. And while this milestone feels like it’s been a long time coming for us, it’s a huge success for the industry – especially given the fact that it took 26 years to install the first 15GW of wind energy in the UK and that has now been doubled in just seven years. 
It’s proven that onshore wind is one of the cheapest ways to generate electricity today and therefore has a vital role to play in our transition away from fossil fuels. Now we have seen the de facto ban lifted in England, we hope to see many more wind projects making their way through planning and into development, as well as a renewed focus on repowering, which will see older sites that have reached the end of their life replaced with fewer, but more efficient, machines with the capability to generate more clean electricity.   
4. The UK became the first G7 country to fully divest in coal power 
In September, the UK closed its doors on its last coal plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar &#8211; the first G7 country to completely phase out the use of coal for generating power. Ending over a century of burning coal to generate electricity, we have moved from coal accounting for more than 95% of the UK’s electricity generation to 0% today. In another positive announcement, the government recently confirmed that it will be introducing legislation that will ensure no new coal mining licences will be issued in future. 
5. Thrive kicked off celebrations for thirty years of funding and building clean energy projects
It wouldn’t be a 2024 round up if we didn’t celebrate one of our own significant milestones from this year – our 30th birthday. Since 1994, we’ve been committed to climate action, funding and building new clean energy projects that put people and planet at their heart.  
By working together, we’ve been able to achieve some great things, whether it be enabling the first commercial sized wind farm to transfer into community hands or investing in the UK’s first deep geothermal production plant. In total, we’ve built or funded 42 clean energy projects that have saved over two million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. And we’re only just getting started. 2025 looks set to be another exciting year and we look forward to working with you – our Thrive community – to create a better, cleaner future for the generations to come.

caton-winter-2

caton winter 2

We look back on some of the renewable energy wins from 2024. 

2024 in review: Reasons to be climate positive this Christmas

Thrive has made a significant investment in Gulliver, which is now nearly 20 years old, to ensure it runs reliably into the future  &#8211; generating clean power for homes and businesses across the UK.  The 2.75MW turbine is capable of generating clean electricity for more than 2,200 average UK homes a year.

The replacement turbine parts fitted during the overhaul are refurbished parts from a windfarm in the Netherlands – a great example of reuse.  The blades and nacelle were thoroughly assessed and tested and are expected to operate efficiently for years to come.
Gulliver’s old blades are currently being repurposed into bicycle shelters in the Netherlands. Other components have been made available for resale or are being broken down for recycling.
Since Thrive invested in the project in 2005, Lowestoft has become a growing hub for renewables. The Orbis Energy Centre has been established next door to Ness Point wind turbine – a flagship focus for the east of England’s renewables network and home to a range of innovative organisations supporting the sector. Lowestoft is also central for servicing the growing number of offshore wind farms in the area. 
In the latest round of Thrive’s Community Benefit Programme which provides energy efficiency grants to community hubs near its projects, Seething and Mundham Village Hall near Ness Point was awarded £980 to install LED lighting. The measures will help the popular community centre reduce its energy bills and carbon footprint.

Works taking place during overhaul of Ness Point wind turbine. 

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ness point

The nacelle and blades have been replaced to secure the turbine’s long term future.  

Ness Point wind turbine back in action following successful overhaul

We are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2030 via the SME climate hub &#8211; a non-profit global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build resilient businesses for the future. By reporting on our emissions, we’re able to better understand the sources of them, whilst demonstrating transparency on our journey to net zero.
<a href="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thrive-Climate-Report-2023-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thrive’s latest climate report</a> for 2023 highlights key updates on our path to net zero by the end of the decade:
<ul>
<li>Maintained scope 1 and 2 emissions at zero (down from a baseline of 2.9 tCO2e in 2019). *</li>
<li>For the second year running, we reported comprehensive emissions estimates across our seven relevant scope 3 categories, which include all areas relating to the construction and operation of our clean energy projects.</li>
<li>Reduced carbon intensity of business travel by 17% in 2023 compared to 2022.</li>
<li>Calculated avoided emissions (sometimes referred to as scope 4) to illustrate the wider carbon impact of the business.</li>
</ul>
Emission reductions are the emissions ‘avoided’ from the operation of our portfolio of clean energy projects. These serve as a key metric to illustrate the wider positive carbon impact of the business.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8005" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NZ-report-24-graph.png" alt="" width="903" height="405" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NZ-report-24-graph.png 903w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NZ-report-24-graph-300x135.png 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NZ-report-24-graph-768x344.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px" />
It is important to note that 2022 was a very successful year for project construction and that our reported emissions include the full construction footprint of three new projects. By comparison in 2023, our reported emissions only include the construction of one small rooftop project. Despite this yearly variation in our highest emissions area, it is useful to see how much greater our avoided emissions are in both years.
Our eyes are now fixed on the 2024 reporting year as we continue rolling out more clean energy projects and helping businesses to decarbonise. We are committed to continually reporting our emissions and reviewing our strategy on an annual basis.
*Thrive’s emissions are reported using The Greenhouse Gas protocol framework that splits emissions into three categories:
Scope 1 – Direct emissions from sources that a company owns or controls directly e.g. the gas used for our heating.
Scope 2 – Indirect emissions coming from the energy it purchases and uses e.g. the electricity powering our office.
Scope 3 – Indirect emissions resulting from sources that are not controlled or owned by the company. For example, the resulting emissions from our supply chain or employee commuting and business travel.

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Avonmouth yellow flowers

Our positive contribution to reducing UK emissions far outweighs our carbon footprint. But we take responsibility for the emissions we make in the course of our operations.

2023 Net Zero Report – Scopes 1 & 2 remain at zero and carbon intensity of business travel reduced by 17%

The record low is followed by the symbolic closure of the UK’s last coal fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in September – ending over a century of burning coal to generate electricity.
At the beginning of the 20th century, coal accounted for more than 95% of the UK’s electricity generation. Now it is 0%.
The UK is the first G7 nation to completely phase out the use of coal to generate power. A few weeks ago, the government also confirmed it will introduce legislation to ban new coal mining licences.
Whilst renewables have played a crucial role in helping the UK phase out coal, we’ve still got a lot of work to do. In its recent report the National Energy Systems Operator stressed that net zero by 2030 is ambitious but achievable, if we expand renewables capacity swiftly and significantly – tripling solar and doubling onshore wind.
As the UK shifts towards a new era of green energy jobs, it’s crucial that no one is left behind and we’re working hard to play our part in a fair and inclusive energy transition. Thrive is proud to help fund community-led projects like the Ambition Community Energy wind turbine in Bristol which is providing a deprived community with a source of revenue. The charity behind the project, Ambition Lawrence Weston, is also preparing local people to take their place in the changing green economy through community-based advice, support and upskilling.

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ACE_June_2024-6

Record low for fossil fuels on the grid as renewables soar.

Life after coal: what's next for UK energy?

<a href="/news/2024/11/vision-for-the-future-facilitating-a-just-transition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In our last blog,</a> we shared the ways we’re working to facilitate a just transition, from using our business as a force for good to supporting community owned renewable energy projects. As part of our 30th birthday celebrations, we asked influential climate campaigners for their thoughts on what the wider sector needs to do to achieve a just energy transition by the end of the decade. 
James Vaccaro  
Catalyst, strategist and thought leader in sustainability and positive impact finance, CEO of RePattern and former Thrive Executive Director.  
<ol>
<li> Integrating smarter design into energy infrastructure to help deliver multiple positive social and environmental impacts. That can include greater community ownership and social benefits, but also schemes such as agri-solar. </li>
<li> The community-of-interest ownership model, alongside cooperatives and other shared-ownership models, offer a balanced solution to support investment in key assets – including nature restoration sites, transmission and storage infrastructure etc. </li>
<li> It is important for leadership within the industry to integrate adaptation and mitigation solutions (efficiency measures plus generation) to support community resilience– in conjunction with well-designed local development plans that address other areas of vulnerability.</li>
</ol>
Emma Howard Boyd CBE 
Previously Chair of the Environment Agency and an ex-officio board member of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Currently Chair of ClientEarth, Chair of the London Climate Resilience Review and former Thrive Non Executive Director.  
We are entering a new era. The world’s warmest year on record was 2023. Europe is warming at around twice the global rate.  
This June to August, in 2024, is currently on course to be the world’s hottest on record, even as El Niño fades. And wherever you are in the world, it’s the most vulnerable – those who’ve contributed the least to this catastrophe – who are forced to shoulder the heaviest burden of its consequences. A recent paper in ‘Nature’ said: “Given how close 2023 was to the ominous 1.5°C warming threshold, it is imperative that we prepare for previously unthinkable and unseasonal heat extremes.”  
With a new national government taking power, now is the time to emphasise that making smarter, more resilient choices to achieve a just energy transition is in the long-term interest. 
<ol>
<li> Simply put, adaptation is non negotiable and ensuring the most vulnerable benefit from adaptation should be a guiding principle. </li>
<li> Action must prioritise those who face the greatest harm and those least able to cope with climate impacts. </li>
<li> Finally, failure to prepare for climate impacts heightens risks and threatens efforts to reach net zero. Without due regard to climate adaptation, risk is “baked-in” to the lifetime of assets, projects become less viable, and the benefits reduce over time. It’s a choice between building in climate resilience or locking in climate vulnerability.</li>
</ol>
Jonathon Porritt CBE  
An eminent writer and campaigner on sustainable development and President of Population Matters.  
<ol>
<li> For wind, solar and storage to accelerate at the speed that is now so desperately needed, we need, first, to kill oil. And then to kill gas. This terminology will offend some people. “Oil Kills” is the latest slogan from Just Stop Oil, and many disagree with JSO’s combative, uncompromising tactics. But the time for cohabitation is long gone. Our continuing addiction to oil (as President George Bush put it back in 2006!) is already literally killing tens of thousands of people now – and will kill tens of millions in the future. </li>
<li> That’s why people need to hear the whole truth about climate science – we don’t have time for mealy-mouthed niceties any longer. It’s already too late to avoid horrendous costs as we pump more and more CO2 into the atmosphere. But it’s not too late to avoid total breakdown. </li>
<li> Even as we bring an end to the big oil and gas companies, we must protect the economic well-being of all those who work for them – apart from their senior executives, who’ve already benefited enough to last them several lifetimes! We must therefore be prepared to invest in re-skilling these key workers to play their part in the new energy economy emerging so dynamically in our midst.</li>
</ol>

dun-sunset-credit-scott-maclean

dun sunset - credit scott maclean

We ask influential climate campaigners for their thoughts on one of the industry’s most pressing issues.     

What three changes do we need to make to achieve a just energy transition by 2030?

Many of these community spaces act as warm refuges for local people to connect and access support services but they are often cold and expensive to heat. Thrive’s funding will help keep these spaces warm, whilst reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7985" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n.jpg 2000w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/323931932_2322365031303983_3452364143354907670_n-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />
As part of the application process, applicants were asked to complete a full energy survey of the shared building using guidance provided by CSE to identify potential improvements and calculate carbon and cost savings.  
Nine community centres across the UK have been awarded funding: 
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Trinity Arts Centre near Avonmouth wind farm, Bristol </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">58th Fife (Glenrothes) Scout Group near Dunfermline wind project, Fife </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Grange Methodist Church near Caton Moor wind farm, Lancashire </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">St Werburghs City Farm near Avonmouth wind farm, Bristol </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Dunfermline St Columba&#8217;s Church of Scotland near Dunfermline wind project, Fife  </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">Tivetshall Village Hall near Eye wind turbine, Norfolk </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">Seething and Mundham Village Hall near Ness Point wind turbine, Norfolk </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Satterwaite Parish Room near Haverigg wind turbine, Cumbria </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1">Radio City Association near Kilbirnie wind turbine, Ayrshire </li>
</ul>
The grants will enable these community organisations to make crucial energy efficiency improvements to their buildings ahead of winter, such as roof, window and wall insulation, double glazing and LED lighting.  
Since we first started the programme in 2016, we have awarded 70 grants to 58 buildings, totalling over £225,000 nationally. As of 2024, the energy efficiency improvements funded by Thrive are saving an estimated 94 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

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In round eight of our Community Benefit Programme, we’re helping nine community centres stay warm this winter.  

Thrive awards £33,000 in energy efficiency grants to community hubs across the UK

According to the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, a “just transition seeks to centre the interests of those that are most affected by the low-carbon transition, including workers, vulnerable communities, suppliers of goods and services, specifically small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and consumers.”  
We truly believe in the need for climate action to be fair and inclusive and have been balancing the needs of people with those of the planet for 30 years. Here are just some of the ways Thrive is working to ensure we achieve a just energy transition in the UK. 
Helping ordinary people to take a stake in the transition 
We believe in the power of together. A world where everyone can be part of the clean energy generation. Putting money to work building new sustainable energy projects, we empower people to take action to address the climate emergency. To help us directly fund and build new clean energy projects, we raise the majority of our capital through crowdfunding – making the UK energy transition more accessible by allowing large numbers of people to be part of the solution.  
Facilitating community ownership 
Recognising the appetite of local communities to build and own their own renewable projects, we created our award-winning community energy funding bridge in 2017 to provide funding certainty and expertise. The first project we facilitated was at Mean Moor in Cumbria, enabling the local community group to purchase the 6.9 MW wind farm, which was repaid in 2019. It meant that Mean Moor became the first commercial scale wind farm in the country to transfer to 100% community ownership.  
Since then, we’ve invested over £21 million into six community-led wind and solar projects including England’s largest onshore wind project based in our home city of Bristol. The Ambition Community Energy turbine provides a deprived community with a source of revenue, while preparing local people to take their place in the changing green economy through community-based advice, support and upskilling. 
Supporting businesses to decarbonise  
We help businesses to decarbonise by funding direct wire renewable projects e.g. installing a wind turbine or solar array on their commercial premises. Providing them with a direct supply of clean power, we empower businesses to take their place in the UK’s energy transition, while cutting costs and reducing the carbon consumption of their operations.  
We first invested in direct wire back in 2010, building projects including a 5MW wind farm on the Airfield Industrial Estate in Mid-Suffolk, which to this day provides clean electricity to a big local employer. As well as helping the company to better manage its energy costs, the project also makes an annual contribution to Mid-Suffolk District Council which is then distributed to worthwhile community initiatives. Fast forward 14 years and we’ve invested in three direct wire wind projects, as well as a portfolio of solar rooftops for schools and businesses across the UK. 
Working collaboratively as a force for good 
We believe in looking beyond profit, putting as much emphasis on environmental and social impact as we do on financial. We are a multi award-winning certified B Corp and member of Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership, Better Business Act and the SME Climate Hub, collaborating to improve business ethics and accountability.  
We recognise that as human beings we will not always get it right, but we are transparent about the challenges we face, actions we take and how decisions are made. We will continue learning, improving and working together with like-minded businesses and organisations to serve our communities and bring about positive change.

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As we celebrate 30 years generating clean energy, we share how we’re helping to accelerate a just transition so that no one is left behind in the move to a green economy.   

Vision for the future: Facilitating a just transition

Prioritising people and planet, we’ve invested in wind, solar and hydro, plus breakthrough projects like the UK’s first geothermal power plant and commercial scale tidal generation. We’ve empowered communities to take control of their energy and helped fund England’s largest onshore wind turbine that’s 100% community owned. Plus, helped businesses across the UK to decarbonise through on-site wind and solar. In total, the portfolio has generated over 2 million MWh of clean electricity and avoided the emission of more than 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Having been founded as one of the UK’s first mission driven businesses in 1994, 30 years later we’re proud to be in the top 3% of all UK B Corps for our ongoing commitment to environmental and social justice.
Thank you to everyone who’s worked with us to tackle the climate emergency together. We look forward to the next 30 years, collaborating with partners, friends and individuals to create a cleaner, fairer world for future generations.

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Since building some of the UK’s first wind turbines in the 90s, we’ve helped get a range of wind, solar and hydro projects off the ground, working together to build a cleaner, fairer world for generations to come. 

It’s our birthday! 30 years Thriving

Before heading to site, local people could meet the Thrive team and get to know the 30-year history of the project at the nearby Victoria Institute, where there were lots of family activities including face painting, crafts and more.
The day before, we visited local schools in Caton to deliver an interactive learning session all about renewable energy, before heading onto site for the children to see the wind turbines in person &#8211; bringing what they had just learnt to life.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came to our open day and all the local organisations involved in making the day a success, with special thanks to the Victoria Institute and Caton WI for their involvement. Below are just some of the brilliant moments captured from the event.

Member of Thrive team showing visitors round the Caton Moor site

Local residents at The Victoria Institute

Member of Thrive team engaging local child in wind-themed arts and crafts

Two visitors with Caton Moor wind turbines in the background

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