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Latest news

<p>The new initiative, Community Energy Catalyst, will support local communities to build their own clean energy infrastructure or secure stakes in larger regional renewable energy schemes. Fair Play Clean Energy, Thrive’s existing joint venture with Top Cashback Sustainability Ltd, will provide £20 million of the investment, with Better Society Capital providing matched funding.</p>
<p>Community Energy Catalyst will make investments ranging between £0.5 million to £30 million in individual projects which are at least 1MW in size and employ proven technologies such as onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and hydro-electric. The joint venture will target late-stage development projects that have already secured planning consent, enabling them to advance through to construction, commissioning and operation while aligning with local objectives.</p>
<p>As well as funding, Thrive brings 30 years of experience financing, building and operating clean energy projects in the UK, and will provide support to community energy groups during key milestones such as procurement and grid connection.</p>
<p>When we created our award-winning community funding bridge in 2017, it was the first of its kind. Eight years later we’ve invested over £21 million into seven community energy projects, including £4 million to build England’s largest onshore wind turbine, which is 100% owned by the community in our home city of Bristol.</p>


ace_june_2024-6

ACE_June_2024-6

Funding partnership with Better Society Capital will help more communities to own their own projects or take a stake in a larger project in their local area.

We’re partnering with the UK’s leading social impact investor to mobilise £40 million for community-owned energy projects

Featured

<p>It is positive to hear a commitment to the clean energy transition coming from government and recognising offshore wind power as a vital part of this with immense potential. The government plans to increase its offshore capacity target from 30 to 40GW and aim for every home to be powered by offshore wind in the next decade.</p>
<p>However positive these targets are, they are high level and lack detail. The UK cannot reach net zero solely with offshore wind, <a href="https://www.theccc.org.uk/2020/03/03/ccc-welcomes-government-re-commitment-to-onshore-wind-and-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the proposed 40GW, represents only 21% of the low carbon electricity generation capacity required by 2050 according to the Committee on Climate Change</a>. Whole-system changes to the UK’s electricity system are essential; how it’s distributed, how we balance supply and demand, how and when we use electricity. And we need policy detail from government on the frameworks for home owners, businesses and industry to deliver the transition over the next decade.</p>
<h3>How do we adapt our electricity system to work for net zero?</h3>
<h3>More renewables</h3>
<p>According to the UK Energy Research Centre, as we decarbonise not just the power system but heating and transport as well, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/uk-will-take-700-years-to-reach-low-carbon-heating-under-current-plans?CMP=share_btn_tw" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-anchor="?CMP=share_btn_tw">electricity demand is set to double</a>. The government’s target of 40GW of new offshore capacity is geared towards our current levels of electricity use. However, with drivers switching to electric vehicles, electrifying the railways and as we cease to heat our homes with fossil fuels, powering all the UK’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/uk-will-take-700-years-to-reach-low-carbon-heating-under-current-plans?CMP=share_btn_tw" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-anchor="?CMP=share_btn_tw">homes alone could require 67GW of offshore capacity</a>, according to one estimate. On top of this, homes only account for a third of our electricity demand, the rest goes to offices, commerce and industry.</p>
<p>We need more renewables on the grid. And as with the legacy fossil fuelled system, importantly we need variety &#8211; of technologies, sizes, and ownership.</p>
<p>It’s well documented that onshore wind and solar are now the cheapest forms of new electricity generation, and in many cases, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/12/wind-and-solar-plants-will-soon-be-cheaper-than-coal-in-all-big-markets-around-world-analysis-finds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheaper than running existing coal-fired powerplants</a>. Industry associations have recommended that the <a href="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2196/delivering-a-green-recovery-with-uk-renewable-power-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK install 5.5GW of onshore renewables</a>, including wind, solar and hydro, each year between now and 2035 if we are to meet net zero, 150% more than we are currently building.</p>
<p>A diverse electricity system creates resilience. By using a variety of different renewable technologies, we circumvent the limitations of each. Hydro, and geothermal, such as <a href="/latest-news/blog/how-does-it-work-geothermal-electricity-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Downs in Cornwall</a> which is currently under development, can provide baseload electricity. While wind and solar energy is variable, it can be combined with storage technology to shift excess electricity to be used when demand is high.</p>
<p>As well as using diverse technologies, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/nov/20/resilient-energy-systems-uk-adapt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decentralised electricity systems are more resilient to the effects of climate change.</a> For example, this could mean installing rooftop solar panels, which can provide off-grid power to homes, or creating larger district heating networks that generate heat for those living in an area from a local, renewable source.</p>
<h3>Storage and flexibility</h3>
<p>Storage is an essential part of a diverse and decentralised electricity system dominated by renewables. To manage the variability of renewables like wind and solar and the complex relationship between demand and supply we need to provide both short and long-term flexibility to the electricity grid.</p>
<h3>Short-term flexibility</h3>
<p>Balancing the electricity grid is incredibly complex and vital to keeping the lights on and the country moving. Electricity is transported the length of the country, levels of generation must be managed so they are perfectly balanced with levels being used, and properties like voltage and frequency are minutely regulated across the whole network to ensure power generated at scale in industrial power stations can be used by domestic appliances plugged into wall sockets.</p>
<p>To date, many of these balancing services have been provided by thermal power stations, coal, gas, biomass. But as we move away from polluting fossil fuels and towards decarbonisation, we must find new, clean ways to carry out these services. One of the technologies that’s expected to provide an increasing amount of balancing services is grid-scale batteries. One stabilisation function offered by batteries (and other electricity storage options) is to provide reserve at times when demand peaks or troughs. Batteries can also absorb and generate reactive power, which can then be deployed to push voltage up or down when it starts to creep too far from the target needed to safely move electricity around the grid.</p>
<p>The role of batteries in balancing power grids and saving surplus energy represents a concrete means of improving energy efficiency and integrating more renewable energy sources into electricity systems. <a href="https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2019/Sep/IRENA_Utility-scale-batteries_2019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Batteries will also enhance energy security and create a well-functioning internal market with lower prices for consumers</a>. Grid-scale batteries can also be co-located on the sites of existing renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms. This allows it to use the existing grid infrastructure and reduces costs.</p>
<h3>Long-term flexibility</h3>
<p>A major challenge with the current battery storage solutions, such as Lithium Ion, is it works best in the short-term, providing minute to minute balancing services for the grid. The quantity of megawatt hours required to compensate for variability is very large. Peak electricity demand is routinely double that of the overnight load on the UK’s electricity system.</p>
<p>Periods of low variable generation are highly likely with an electricity system dominated by renewable technologies such as wind and solar. To provide flexibility over longer periods we must look for other energy storage solutions.</p>
<p>One such solution is pumped storage hydropower, which uses two reservoirs at different elevations connected by a pipe which contains a turbine. During periods of high renewable generation, excess electricity can be used to pump the water from the lower reservoir to the higher reservoir. And when renewable generation is low, the water will flow down from the upper reservoir through the pipe and the turbine, generating electricity. With its ability to both store and generate large amounts of energy over long periods of time, it can play a key role in compensating for variable generation from a renewable dominated grid.</p>
<p>The need for long-term storage solutions has stimulated much innovation and new technologies are continuously emerging. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) compresses and stores ambient air or another gas under pressure in an underground cavern or container when renewable electricity is abundant. When electricity is required, the pressurised air is heated and expanded in an expansion turbine driving a generator for power production.</p>
<p>Gravitricity, a UK start-up, uses gravity, raising and lowering a heavy weight down a deep hole such as a disused mine shaft, to store and release energy. In periods of high renewable supply, they use abundant clean electricity to raise the weights up. And during periods of high demand the weights are lowered, turning a turbine and generating electricity.</p>
<p>Other emerging storage technologies include chemical storage such as green hydrogen. Excess renewable generation can be used to power electrolysis, splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules and storing the hydrogen for later use.  Whilst a lot of challenges persist for the wide use of hydrogen in the energy system, its potential compatibility with existing fossil fuel infrastructure means we are likely to see a lot of development in this space.</p>
<h3>People</h3>
<p>People are part of the electricity system. We are the consumers of electricity, dictating supply and demand. We need to ensure the national electricity system works for people and the planet. One essential part of this is energy efficiency, supporting people to use less wherever possible.</p>
<p>The electricity system of the future needs to be smart and integrated seamlessly into our daily lives. Currently supply is a slave to demand and this relationship needs to be more balanced. The better we can match daily demand to renewable supply, the less infrastructure we’ll need and the cleaner the system will be.  We need to empower consumers to use electricity when its abundant, managing demand and in turn helping to balance the grid. To an extent this can be carried out with simple behaviour changes, running your washing machine, heating water or charging your electric vehicle on particularly windy days and switching devices off during peak times. Initiatives to encourage this behaviour have begun to emerge. Octopus Energy launched its first <a class="js-scroll-done" href="https://octopus.energy/static/consumer/documents/agile-report.pdf#:~:text=In%20February%202018%2C%20Octopus%20Energy,meters%20and%20half%20hourly%20settlement." target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-anchor="#:~:text=In%20February%202018%2C%20Octopus%20Energy,meters%20and%20half%20hourly%20settlement.">time of use tariff</a> in 2018, allowing customers to pay less for electricity when used out of peak times. In April this year, electricity prices dropped so low that customers were <a href="https://www.power-technology.com/news/octopus-pays-uk-customers-to-consume-green-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paid to use electricity</a>. But it is unfeasible to put the weight of responsibility for the shift to low carbon electricity solely on the shoulders of individuals. With the advancement of smart grid technology, smart meters and internet enabled devices, our washing machines, freezers, hot water tanks and EVs should know when the most sustainable time to use electricity is, as well as using less.</p>
<p>People need to not only be empowered to use electricity but to also play a role in generating it. Community energy puts people at the heart of the electricity system. It brings them together to take democratic climate action by understanding, generating, owning, using, and saving energy. Community energy provides clear accountability and participatory governance within the energy system, which is empowering, transparent and equitable. It accelerates a just transition to a zero-carbon energy system, making communities more prosperous and resilient. Successful community energy can also help to underpin the more rapid rollout of a decentralised energy supply system by giving local people a stake in the outcome.</p>
<p>As more renewables have come onstream over the last decade, the UK has been moving towards a decentralised system, where energy is generated and used locally. Decentralising energy can reduce transmission losses, making the system more efficient. Security of supply is increased nationally too, especially against the impacts of climate change. There can be economic benefits also. <a href="https://www.therma-mech.co.uk/what-is-decentralised-energy-and-why-is-it-important/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long term, decentralised energy can offer more competitive prices than traditional energy.</a>  Pinning our energy transition hopes solely on huge, remote offshore wind farms seems to be under utilising this progress.</p>
<h3>The energy white paper</h3>
<p>There is no doubt that the UK has taken some big steps in decarbonising the energy system. The amount of electricity generated by renewables has increased from just 6.5% in 2010 to over a third today. But we still have an immense amount work to do, and to do it we need policy and structure. We need a progressive Energy White Paper which clearly sets out a trajectory which industry and individuals can deliver.</p>
<p>The journey to net zero is complex with many possible pathways. We don’t have all of the answers yet, but as we move in the right direction, more solutions will develop. We must evolve our generation, consumption and all the interlinking systems that keep the lights on; this includes our own behaviour. But for us to move forward together, with a harmonised focus and direction, the Energy White Paper must provide detail. It must look at the electricity system as a whole and set us on the right path. We need a road map that recognises the complexity of the challenge we face.</p>


Newsletter CTA

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Thrive Renewables

At the 2020 Conservative Party Conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the UK’s ambitions to become ‘the Saudi Arabia of wind power’ through the development of huge offshore wind farms. He said the UK would become "the world leader in clean wind energy".

Building a net zero electricity system

<p>The new working capital will enable Riding Sunbeams to provide a commercial route to market for community energy groups looking for new projects to develop and connect them to regional rail network operators like Network Rail who will pay them a fair price for their power. This will enable rail network operators to source competitively priced green electricity at the same time as supporting local communities, as well as the UK’s efforts to achieve a net zero economy.</p>
<p>Riding Sunbeams hopes to demonstrate a new, fairer, greener way to do business and embody how a just transition is possible by bringing together charities, communities, corporates and government to decarbonise and power the rail network. With its world-leading model it intends to boost the community energy sector and overcome existing barriers like grid constraints and energy price volatility, to ensure local people benefit from projects in their neighbourhood. Community groups and developers with eligible projects are being encouraged to get in touch with the organisation.</p>
<p>Following this funding agreement, the company formally incorporated a commitment to a just transition in its legal rules of governance, making it the first UK company to do this. Unlike other companies who have committed to socially and environmentally responsible behaviour, Riding Sunbeams wrote a just transition commitment into its legal working agreement. This means that any decision taken by the social enterprise will be made in line with the principles of a just transition.</p>
<p>The team proved the technical concept of powering railways directly by solar power with its First Light demonstrator project in Aldershot last year. Riding Sunbeams is currently leading another First of a Kind project funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport, which aims to power electrified rail networks which run on alternating current (AC) power from overhead lines.</p>


solar-power-railway-launch

Solar Power Railway Launch

Solar trains company, Riding Sunbeams, has received its first commercial funding from Thrive Renewables and Friends Provident Foundation. This will enable the team to develop community owned renewable energy projects to directly power the rail network at a commercial scale for the first time

Solar trains pioneer receives its first commercial funding

<p>But how do you turn heat found in the rocks under our feet into electricity we can use in our home?</p>


<div class="cms rte js-cms-done">
<h3>First, we need to get to where its hot</h3>
<p>United Downs consists of two wells drilled into the rock to different depths at a specific angle. The ‘injection’ well, reaches a depth of a 2,393m and the ‘production’ well reaches a depth of 5,275m, the deepest ever drilled in the UK. They are both drilled at a specific angle to intercept the Porthtowen Fault Zone (PTF) at these depths.</p>
<p>The PTF is a fault zone which stretches from Porthtowen in the north of Cornwall and Falmouth in the south. It is an area of rock filled with fissures, or cracks, which allow water to filter through it. The PTF stretches deep into the earth. Where the production well intercepts it, the temperature is 188 Centigrade.</p>
<p>The schematic below describes how the project will work once fully operational.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2228/wells.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" /></p>
</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div class="cms media js-cms-done"><em>United Downs geothermal project schematic</em></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<div class="cms rte js-cms-done">
<h3>Now we&#8217;ve reached the heat, how do we get it to the surface?</h3>
<p>We use ordinary water to transfer the heat to the surface. Hot water is pumped from the bottom of the production well to the powerplant at the surface where it is turned into electricity.  After this process, the cooler water is then passed to the injection well where it then filters through the fissures found in the PTF, absorbing the heat from the surrounding rock as it heads towards the production well.  Then the cycle begins again.</p>
<h3>So how do we turn hot water into clean electricity?</h3>
<p>Surprisingly, this part is well established. Much like your traditional thermal powerplant, United Downs uses steam to turn a turbine which generates electricity. The key difference is where the steam comes from.</p>
<p>Hot water from the production well is passed through a heat exchanger. This uses a special liquid with a very low boiling point to extract the heat from the well water, turn it into vapour, which in turn turns the turbine, generating renewable electricity. The cooled water is then returned to the system to restart its journey.</p>
<p>Geothermal energy production produces zero emissions as it does not use, produce, or extract hydrocarbons. It has a low visual impact and small land use.</p>
<p>The diagram below shows how electricity is generated from the system planned for the United Downs project.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2227/copy-of-geothermal-electricity-generation.png?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" /></p>
<p><em>Infographic demonstrating how electricity is generated from geothermal energy</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
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<h3>What&#8217;s happening now?</h3>
<p>Testing work at United Downs was delayed during lockdown due to supply chain issues and to protect the health of staff and suppliers. The team have adapted their practices to ensure a Covid safe environment. Recent testing has unearthed the deepest rock sample ever taken in the UK and revealed temperatures of 188 centigrade, hot enough for geothermal electricity generation. They are now busy testing flow rates of the water through the fissures. We hope to be exporting clean electricity to the grid at United Downs by the end of 2021.</p>
<h3>What is the history of the project?</h3>
<p>The long history of mining and various research projects into Cornwall’s geology carried out in the 1980s have generated substantial evidence and knowledge about Cornwall’s geology. ‘Hot Dry Rocks’, a long-running geothermal energy research project, in operation between 1976 and 1991, confirmed the high temperatures which are found deep underground in Cornwall’s granite, identifying its potential to provide renewable electricity and heat.</p>
<p>The Geothermal Engineering team has worked on the United Downs project for the past 10 years. During this time, they have successfully completed the research on the geology of the location, analysed the location of the PTF, secured planning consent, land lease and grid connection, and procured and delivered the drilling works. The successful drilling of the injection and production wells into the fault zone was completed in the Summer 2019.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>[1] Total global installed geothermal capacity, 2015, International Geothermal Association (<a class="js-scroll-done" href="https://www.geothermal-energy.org/explore/our-databases/geothermal-power-database/#electricity-generation-by-plant" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-anchor="#electricity-generation-by-plant">https://www.geothermal-energy.org/explore/our-databases/geothermal-power-database/#electricity-generation-by-plant</a>)</p>
</div>


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United Downs geothermal

The United Downs geothermal project will use heat from the rock, around 5km beneath the ground, to generate renewable electricity.

How does it work: geothermal electricity generation

<p>In the first quarter of 2020, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/25/renewable-energy-breaks-uk-record-in-first-quarter-of-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewables generated 47% of the UK electricity needs</a>, smashing last year’s record of 39%. This substantial increase in the total renewable energy output was chiefly driven by a growth in electricity generated by solar panels and windfarms which climbed by more than a third over the last year, according to the government’s energy analysts. New wind farms and an especially wet and windy weather at the beginning of the year helped to generate record wind power generation, a whopping 30%.</p>
<p>In mid-April, at 12:30 in the afternoon, the UK recorded it highest ever solar energy generation. Thanks to an especially sunny month and a reduction in air pollution caused by lockdown, solar generation reached <a href="https://www.edie.net/news/10/UK-smashes-solar-generation-record/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a peak of 9.68GW</a>, meeting approximately 30% of the UKs electricity needs.</p>
<p>We experienced the sunniest May on record and increased solar generation along with reduced electricity demand, contributed to the UK’s longest ever coal-free period since the beginning of the industrial revolution. The period ran for 67 days 22 hours and 55 minutes, from 9<sup>th</sup> April to 16<sup>th</sup> June. This was a fantastic achievement for the sector, demonstrating our reliance on polluting fossil fuels is coming to an end. A decade ago <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/britain-coal-free-industrial-revolution-renewable-energy-climate-change-a9556011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40%</a> of our energy came from coal power plants and going coal free for any length of time would’ve been unthinkable. In 2019 just <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/britain-coal-free-industrial-revolution-renewable-energy-climate-change-a9556011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2.1%</a> of the country’s total power mix came from coal and the UK has plans to close all coal power plants by 2025.</p>
<p>On Saturday 24<sup>th</sup> May the <a href="https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4015600/progress-quiet-spectacular-britain-power-grid-emissions-hit-record-lows" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lowest-carbon day</a> in the history of the UK’s electricity grid was recorded at an average of 61g of carbon dioxide per kWh. The following day the grid hit another environmental milestone when it dipped to its lowest carbon intensity ever, dropping to 18g CO2/kWh for more than an hour. At the time, 65 per cent of our electricity was being sourced from renewables.</p>
<p>Throughout lockdown, decreased demand and increased renewable capacity have given us a glimpse of what an energy system run completely off renewables might look like. We must continue to make these strides forward, to deliver a green recovery and accomplish our net zero goals.</p>


auchtygils

Auchtygils

2019 was a record breaking year for renewables, generating more electricity than fossil fuels during the third quarter, for the first time ever. And 2020’s looking even better!

Renewables records point to positive future

<div class="cms rte js-cms-done">
<p>Our analysis, which you can read in full <a title="Delivering A Green Recovery With UK Renewable Power Final" href="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2196/delivering-a-green-recovery-with-uk-renewable-power-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-udi="umb://media/e3939cc830204a2c9db4b435ffe07737">here</a>, shows that:</p>
<ul>
<li>There is a £66.5 billion potential investment opportunity for the UK between now and 2035 – £4.75 billion per year (£2.75 billion onshore wind).<sup>2</sup></li>
<li>Unlocking this potential could deliver:
<ul>
<li><strong>45,000 new jobs</strong><sup>3 </sup>and;</li>
<li><strong>£28.9bn pumped into the UK economy</strong> by 2035.<sup>2</sup></li>
<li>And save <strong>UK consumers up to £1.5bn a year</strong>.<sup>6</sup></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UK’s legal obligation to achieve net zero carbon emissions is providing a significant investment opportunity – <strong>5GW of onshore renewables</strong> must be rolled out every year between now and 2035 to be on track. This is more than triple the amount approved over the last year.<sup>1,2</sup></li>
<li>Action by the Government is essential to unlock the enormous potential of onshore renewable energy to deliver immediate investment, jobs and UK green growth.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="/media/2195/web-1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/02d6937426e74b23aac44770ae881033" /></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our analysis explores how policy changes and planning guidance have been blocking the growth of the onshore renewables market for over four years. We call on the Government to deliver supportive policies that could unlock immediate private sector investment in new infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and help accelerate towards our legally-binding 2050 net zero target.</p>
</div>


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<h3>Unblocking the blockers</h3>
<p>Our analysis recommends two simple and cost neutral actions that the UK Government should implement urgently to drive new investment and accelerate recovery:</p>
<h3>Deliver policy stability</h3>
<p>UK policy is like crazy paving at the moment. Electricity generated by different sources is priced differently due to the varying support levels and changes in energy policies over the last 20 years. This makes it extremely challenging to make informed, long-term, investment decisions, hence the current lack of investment. New onshore renewables are currently the only electricity source which is wholly reliant on selling on the open market. The Government must demonstrate clear support by delivering long-term, simple energy policies that allow investment decisions to be based on market fundamentals.</p>
<p>Certainty over mechanisms, such as the price stabilising Contract for Difference auctions, would support the business case for renewable energy and ultimately lead to the UK being able to better utilise the benefits of its abundant natural resources – wind, sunshine and rain.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="/media/2201/web-3.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b98616d520fb473f9e77ec4e7f10ed8c" /></p>
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<h3></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Remove planning blockers</h3>
<p class="cms rte js-cms-done">Unlike any other form of development, new onshore wind applications in England have to demonstrate to planners that the project is sited within an area designated for wind development by the local authority, within the local plan. However, the lifecycle of local plans can be 30 years, and many have therefore not been updated since that requirement came into place in 2015.This effectively means planning permission is automatically blocked for new onshore wind projects in much of England. Two thirds of local authorities have declared a climate emergency, but many have not had the time to reflect this in their local plan. They therefore may not be able to grant planning consent to well-sited, appropriately-sized wind farms which will contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets. By removing this one piece of red tape from the National Planning Policy Framework, the UK Government could unleash investment and deliver lower bills and cleaner energy supply for UK consumers and businesses.There is also no uniform approach to life extension and repowering, which has the potential to generate more clean power, more cheaply using modern infrastructure. Without a uniform approach to planning, the risk for potential developers is too high and many are not able to justify the business case to make repowering happen. Every £1 of investment which can be de-risked will lower the cost of energy for UK homes and businesses.</p>
<h3 class="cms rte js-cms-done">Renewables &#8211; the obvious choice</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Renewables are much faster to deploy than nuclear:</strong> In the same two years spent moving soil and laying the foundations of Hinkley Point C, sufficient new renewable capacity was commissioned and had delivered power equivalent to the nuclear site’s total planned generation (22GWh annually).<sup>4</sup></li>
<li><strong>Onshore wind is cheaper than gas:</strong> New onshore wind can deliver power at £49 per MWh today – 12.5% cheaper than gas generation. This trend is only set to continue with the cost of renewable generation expected to continue its decline.<sup>5</sup></li>
</ul>


<h3><img decoding="async" src="/media/2200/web-2.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2545d7e4aaa44f32be762499f2124a57" /></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Repowering existing renewable power</h3>
<p>Another opportunity to stimulate the expansion of renewables is to enable existing sites to be upgraded – “repowered” – with new and more advanced technology. The UK has almost 30GW of onshore renewable power generation. These wind, solar and hydro technologies are designed to operate for between 25-35 years. At the end of their life, rather than close down the site, the best approach is to replace the old wind or solar technology with latest turbines or panels. In the case of onshore wind, this can often result in fewer wind turbines with greater productivity.</p>
<p>Repowering is much cheaper than building on a new site – the infrastructure is already there such as access roads and grid connections – and quicker to develop. Caton Moor is a Thrive Renewables onshore wind site in Lancashire. The site was repowered in 2006. Eight new turbines were installed, capable of generating seven times the power of the previous 10. Caton Moor wind farm is now supplying more clean energy more efficiently to UK consumers.</p>
<p>Combining repowering with a programme of building new onshore renewables is another way to unlock the much needed long term growth potential of the sector.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>[1] The Committee on Climate Change has consistently called for onshore wind and solar to be included in the Government’s renewable energy strategy. Total UK electricity supply will need to double by 2050, and electricity from low-carbon sources will need to quadruple, in order to deliver the UK’s commitment to become a Net Zero emissions economy by that year. <a href="https://www.theccc.org.uk/2020/03/03/ccc-welcomes-government-re-commitment-to-onshore-wind-and-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.theccc.org.uk/2020/03/03/ccc-welcomes-government-re-commitment-to-onshore-wind-and-solar/</a></p>
<p>[2] Trade bodies (RUK, STA and BHA), are suggesting 77GW of the required growth to hit net zero can be delivered by onshore renewables by 2035. This will require building 5.5GW of onshore renewable capacity annually between now and 2035. This creates an annual investment opportunity of £4.75bn. Of this £2.75bn is required to deliver onshore wind, £1.4bn Solar and £0.6bn Hydro (CAPEX estimates based on current market procurement). It is estimated that over 40% of the development and capital expenditure is UK content. The proportion of UK content renewable projects grows in the operational phase, estimated to be 66% for onshore wind. <a href="https://bvgassociates.com/economic-benefits-onshore-wind-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bvgassociates.com/economic-benefits-onshore-wind-farms/. </a>The UK content of the development and construction of ground mounted solar PV is estimated to be 46%, growing to 68% in the operational phase (<a href="https://www.solar-trade.org.uk/sta-calls-for-government-to-commit-to-2030-solar-target-to-drive-green-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.solar-trade.org.uk/sta-calls-for-government-to-commit-to-2030-solar-target-to-drive-green-recovery/ </a>).  The BHA estimate that 70% of CAPEX and OPEX of small hydro is UK content (<a href="http://www.british-hydro.org/hydro-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.british-hydro.org/hydro-facts/</a>)</p>
<p>[3] Job creation calculations based on estimates from industry associations. Wind 18,800, Solar 22,800, Hydro 3,250</p>
<p>[4]<strong> Hinkley Point C</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Capacity – 3260MW</li>
<li>Homes equivalent – 6,000,000</li>
<li>Estimated annual generation – 22,374,000 GWh</li>
<li>Began construction – 2016</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/about%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/about</a></p>
<p>Non thermal renewable generation (natural flow hydro, wind, wave and solar PV)</p>
<div class="cms-table">
<table border="0" width="1231">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="28%"><strong>Year</strong></td>
<td width="25%"><strong>GWh</strong></td>
<td width="46%"><strong>Change GWh</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="28%">2016</td>
<td width="25%">53015</td>
<td width="46%"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="28%">2017</td>
<td width="25%">66949</td>
<td width="46%">13934</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="28%">2018</td>
<td width="25%">74960</td>
<td width="46%">8011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="28%"></td>
<td width="25%"><strong>TOTAL:</strong></td>
<td width="46%"><strong>21,945.00 GWh</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/historical-electricity-data%20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/historical-electricity-data</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://www.vivideconomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Quantifying_the_Benefits_of-report-.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.vivideconomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Quantifying_the_Benefits_of-report-.pdf</a>, <a href="https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/uk_solar_costs_plummeting_beyond_forecasts_as_cheap_as_40_mwh_by_2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/uk_solar_costs_plummeting_beyond_forecasts_as_cheap_as_40_mwh_by_2030</a></p>
<p>[6] Saving calculated using Arup (2018) Cost of Capital Benefits or Revenue Stabilisation via a Contract for Difference: <a href="https://www.arup.com/perspectives/publications/research/section/onshore-wind-financing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.arup.com/perspectives/publications/research/section/onshore-wind-financing</a>,  Multiplied by the anticipated growth of onshore renewable projects from RUK, STA and BHA (see footnote 2), and the number of UK households <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/adhocs/005374totalnumb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/adhocs/005374totalnumb</a>.</p>


soil

Onshore renewables could boost UK economy by £28.9bn by 2035.

Delivering a green recovery with UK renewable power

<p>As part of Community Energy Fortnight, our Senior Investment Manager, Monika Papalaczyk takes us on the journey of Mean Moor wind farm &#8211; from ambition to reality. Read the full story on Community Energy England’s <a href="https://www.communityenergyengland.org/news/going-full-circle-the-story-of-mean-moor-wind-farm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="/media/2821/community-bridge-model-illustration-271117.jpg" /></p>


meanmoor-investors1400

Meanmoor investors1400

Community co-operatives successfully raise £5.7M to repay Thrive’s Community Energy Funding Bridge

Going full circle: the story of Mean Moor

<div class="cms rte js-cms-done">
<h3>Foodbanks</h3>
<p>When the UK went into lockdown, many people’s lives changed drastically overnight. <a href="https://www.trusselltrust.org/2020/06/03/food-banks-busiest-month/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Trussell Trust</a> reports the need for emergency food parcels increased by 89% compared with last year, including a 107% increase in parcels given to children. It is unsurprising then that many of the suggestions from local communities was for the donations to go to foodbanks.  Run by dedicated staff and volunteers, they are often the last resort for many vulnerable people affected by the pandemic.</p>
</div>


<p>Aberdeenshire North Foodbank, located close to our Auchtygills and Clayfords wind farms, received a donation from Thrive to help support their operations.</p>


<p>Morcombe Bay Foodbank has also been experiencing high demand and the funds went to keeping their operations running such as electricity, rent and vehicle maintenance, something which has become even more vital as many self-isolating will be relying on food parcel deliveries.</p>
<h3>Tackling isolation</h3>
<p>As we all know, tragically care home residents have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. Their increased vulnerability has led to many homes shutting their doors to visitors in order to protect residents, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Technology can help alleviate these feelings by helping residents connect virtually with their loved ones no matter the distance.</p>
<p>Smiddybrae Activities Association is an organisation which works with Smiddybrae House, a residential care home near our Sigurd wind farm on Orkney. They fundraise to provide activities and trips for the residents and received a grant from Thrive.</p>


<h3>Supporting home learning</h3>
<p>Home learning has been a huge change in many peoples lives since lockdown. Many parents have had to learn to juggle both working from home as well as becoming a teacher to their children. Home learning can be very challenging for parents and children alike, but Blackridge Primary School Parents Council are working to try to help. The school is located near to Drumduff wind farm in West Lothian, Scotland, a joint venture with the Scottish based renewable energy company, GreenPower. The parents’ council received a joint donation from Thrive and GreenPower to create home activity packs for every child at the school, providing ready-made ideas for stretched parents and much needed activities for bored kids.</p>


Emma from Bristol NW foodbank organising donations

Volunteer from Helensburgh & Lomond foodbank collecting donations

Volunteers from Helensburgh & Lomond foodbank

Resident from Smiddybrae house with their new iPad

Operations at Aberdeenshire North foodbank

unit-7-1

Unit 7 1

Thrive owns and operates multiple renewable energy projects across the country and the communities who host our projects are important to us. As a responsible business, we wanted to help them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A helping hand: communities supporting each other through crisis

<p data-key="3"><span data-key="4">Hear from the experts who spend their days evaluating renewable energy projects and modelling a range of finance and development options to create robust, successful schemes. The session will cover the fundamentals of your business plan including feasibility, how your energy will be sold and what to consider from a finance perspective. The panel will also explore how to access the funds you need to make your community energy project happen.</span></p>
<h5>AGENDA</h5>
<p><strong>Welcome &#8211; </strong> Matthew Clayton, Managing Director, Thrive Renewables</p>
<p><strong>Early stage funding  &#8211; </strong>John Taylor, Energy Projects Manager, Greater South East Energy Hub</p>
<p><strong>Mean Moor wind farm, case study &#8211; </strong>Energy4All</p>
<p><strong>Community Energy funding options</strong>  &#8211; Monika Paplaczyk, Senior Investment Manager, Thrive Renewables</p>
<p><strong>Question &amp; Answer session</strong></p>
<p data-key="18"><span data-key="19">Attendance is free and open to members and supporters of community energy groups. The session is informal and interactive, there will be plenty of time for questions.</span></p>
<p data-key="22" data-slate-fragment="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data-key="23">This event is part of <a href="https://communityenergyengland.org/pages/community-energy-fortnight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Community Energy Fortnight</a>, which Thrive Renewables is proud to sponsor.</span></p>
<p data-key="22" data-slate-fragment="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"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/funding-your-community-energy-project-tickets-108081083430" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register here.</a></p>


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DC25

One of the biggest challenges facing community energy groups is funding.

Webinar: funding your community energy project

Thrive Renewables Impact 2019

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Environmental Impact 2019

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Caton Moor (2)

2019 was another positive year of impact for Thrive. 

Video: Impact 2019

<p>Our portfolio of wind and hydro projects generated 166,734MWh of electricity in 2019, enough to power all the homes in a city the size of Worcester<sup>1</sup>. Together, the projects delivered over 75,000 tonnes of CO<sub>2 </sub>emissions reductions<sup>2</sup>.</p>


<p>Shareholders received a 40p per share interim dividend in April 2019 following the sale of the wind farms and a 7p final dividend in July 2019. A 7p per share annual dividend is recommended to be paid in July 2020, reflecting positive performance of the operational portfolio.</p>
<p>Thrive Renewables is marking its 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary this year, having invested in a total of 25 wind, hydro, solar and renewable heat projects, the majority of which it still owns and operates.</p>


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<div class="cms rte js-cms-done">Over the last 25 years, Thrive has paid a total of 96.2p per share in dividends. Shares have appreciated in value from £1.30 to £2.23<sup>3</sup> over the same period.  The average annual return for shareholders joining Thrive over the last 25 years from dividends and capital appreciation is 7%<sup>4</sup>. Thrive’s market capitalisation is now over £50 million<sup>6</sup>.</div>
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<figure class=""><picture><source srcset="/media/2141/financial-800.png?width=468&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" media="(min-width: 1080px)" /><source srcset="/media/2141/financial-800.png?width=410&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" media="(min-width: 620px)" /><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2141/financial-800.png?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></picture></figure>
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<p>Looking forward, Thrive Renewables has the following immediate priorities:</p>
<ul>
<li>Progress the three new renewable investments to successful commissioning</li>
<li>Deliver additional opportunities for individuals to invest directly in the transition to a cleaner, smarter energy system for the UK via investments in new solar, wind and hydro projects</li>
<li>Support net zero ambitions of businesses, local authorities and other organisations by enabling them to develop clean energy projects</li>
<li>Ensure the existing portfolio generates as much power and impact as possible and exploring life extension of existing assets where relevant</li>
<li>Identify opportunities to co-locate additional renewable capacity and battery storage at existing sites</li>
</ul>
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<p>Thrive’s voluntary Community Benefit Programme awarded grants totalling over £30,000 in 2019 to improve energy efficiency in shared buildings, such as youth centres and village halls, close to its sites. Recipients report improved warmth, comfort and accessibility, and expect to see lower running costs. In 2020, the company has already allocated £24,000 to provide emergency grants to local grassroots community projects supporting individuals and families struggling due to the Covid-19 crisis.</p>
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<p>[1] Calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) showing that annual UK average domestic household consumption is 3,781kWh, <a href="http://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained</a>. Population of Worcester 103,769.</p>
<p>[2] Calculated using most recent data on the carbon intensity of the UK electricity grid multiplied by our own electricity generation. <a href="http://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplainded" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplainded</a></p>
<p>[3] Based on the latest traded price on the secondary market as at 27<sup>th</sup> May 2020.</p>
<p>[4] 7% annualised return is calculated from dividends paid and using the latest traded share value on the secondary market.  The return is averaged for shareholders who have purchased shares at different times by using share values for each new share issue.</p>
<p>[5] Includes £15.4m gain on sale of two wind farms</p>
<p>[6] Number of shares in issue multiplied by the latest traded price on the secondary market as at 27<sup>th</sup> May 2020.</p>
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IMG_0022

£12.3 million committed to funding the construction of new wind, hydro and geothermal generation projects.

Annual results 2019: record profits and reinvestments

<p>Lockdown measures introduced in March to control the Covid-19 pandemic reduced the UK’s electricity demand in April by 15%, compared with April 2019<sup>1</sup>. The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that global energy demand was likely to fall by 6% this year, the equivalent of losing the entire energy demand of India – the world’s third largest energy consumer.<sup>2</sup></p>
<p>With demand as low as it is, renewables are making up a larger proportion of the energy mix, reducing the carbon intensity of the grid, with gas and coal generation only needed to provide stability services. The steady rise of renewable energy reduces the demand for fossil fuels, so clean electricity will play its largest ever role in the global energy system this year. Renewable energy is expected to grow by 5%, to make up almost 30% of the world’s demand for electricity, according the IEA<sup>2</sup>.</p>
<p>The UK is currently experiencing its longest coal free period since the beginning of the industrial revolution with 47 coal-free days<sup>3</sup>. Cool, sunny weather and reduced air pollution has helped drive a new all-time solar power record in the UK, with solar farms generating a peak of 9.69GW of electricity for the grid in April. The current unprecedented circumstances provide real glimpse into the future as we move towards our ambition to be able to operate the system entirely with zero carbon sources of energy.</p>
<p>In April 2019 the National Grid announced they would be ready to run the grid from 100% zero carbon sources by 2025. The lockdown has created a live laboratory environment for the National Grid to test how this can work when running the grid on mostly renewable energy sources. A big part of this is constantly and perfectly balancing the supply and demand of electricity. Experts at the National Grid forecast how much electricity will be needed in each half hour every 24 hours, then tweak power stations and big consumers’ generation and consumption to balance the frequency of electricity on the grid.</p>
<p>When demand is low (as we are seeing during lock down) the usual mix of generation is disrupted, as the growing portfolio of renewables is adequate to meet demand.  The learning taking place currently is how to maintain the perfect balance of demand and supply at times when renewables are delivering the majority of power.  The output from wind and solar is currently harder to ‘tweak’ up and down, and does not provide the levels of stability traditionally achieved using the enormous revolving generators typical to gas and coal power stations.</p>
<p>The National Grid is taking advantage of this unique situation to experiment with alternative ways of fine tuning the electricity system dominated by renewables, using batteries, demand side management and manipulating renewable electricity supply.  This is providing valuable insight into the future of our energy system on the transition to net zero.</p>
<p>For the National grid, the low carbon future has arrived in the form of lock down.  Assumptions are being challenged and both the physical and regulatory system is learning and adapting on a daily basis. This creates challenges, but importantly a chance to live trial a responsible energy system, providing low cost, low carbon and reliable electricity to keep the country going during these difficult times.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.edie.net/news/6/UK-hits-coal-free-month-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.edie.net/news/6/UK-hits-coal-free-month-/</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/30/covid-19-crisis-demand-fossil-fuels-iea-renewable-electricity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/30/covid-19-crisis-demand-fossil-fuels-iea-renewable-electricity</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/28/britain-breaks-record-for-coal-free-power-generation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/28/britain-breaks-record-for-coal-free-power-generation</a></p>


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Renewables have been on the rise in recent years, hitting an all time high in 2019 with renewable energy generating 36.9% of the UK’s electricity needs.

Renewables dominate the grid

<p>In total, the project raised long term project finance loans of £6.7m from Clydesdale Bank and £1.8m from Thrive Renewables.</p>


<p>Inverbroom will be Thrive Renewable’s second hydro-electric project, following Beochlich Hydro which has been operating successfully since 1998. Inverbroom Hydro will consist of two turbines fed via a buried pipeline which creates pressure to drive the turbine and generate electricity. The scheme will incorporate a small dam with a tilting slipway which allows the hydro to operate within the flood range of Loch a Bhraoin. The water is then returned to the natural water course further down river, allowing the scheme to operate with very little environmental impact.</p>
<p>When Inverbroom Hydro is built, the local community will be able to apply for Thrive Renewables Community Benefit Programme, which offers grants to improve energy efficiency in community buildings like village halls, making them warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to run.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>[1] Calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) showing that annual UK average domestic household consumption is 3,781kWh, <a href="https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained</a></p>
<p>[2] RenewableUK uses BEIS’s “all fossil fuels” emissions statistic of 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2019) p125 Table 5D (“Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supplied 2015 to 2017”), <a href="https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained</a>. Average per capita greenhouse gas emissions.</p>


inverbroom-2

inverbroom 2

Thrive Renewables and Clydesdale Bank have provided loans for the construction of a new 2MW hydro-electric project at Inverbroom in the Highlands of Scotland. The project is being developed by Inverbroom Hydro and Glendevon Energy.

New hydro project under construction in Scotland with new funding from Thrive Renewables and Clydesdale Bank

<p><span data-contrast="auto">An on-site or ‘direct wire’ project is when a renewable asset like a rooftop solar array is built on a commercial premises, with the host business benefitting from a direct supply of clean electricity. With no upfront capital investment required, the business will purchase the energy directly from Eden through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Such arrangements help to protect the host business against high energy prices at the same time as supporting the UK’s net zero goals. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">​​The first round of investment will be into 15 schools, including​ ​phase 1 of the ​Oasis Community Learning ​portfolio,​​ ​which ​will save​ an estimated 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and £3 million in total.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>


<p><span data-contrast="auto">Commercial buildings are currently responsible for almost a quarter (23%) of built environment carbon emissions in the UK [1], however​,​ rooftop solar projects can help businesses to decarbonise by giving them access to a direct supply of cheaper, cleaner electricity. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This holds significant potential for supporting the UK’s net zero goals, with a 2023 report by the countryside charity, CPRE, suggesting that installing solar panels on existing rooftops and other land could deliver at least 40-50GW in England alone – going a long way to meet the ​solar industry’s ​target of delivering 70GW of new solar energy by 2035.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>


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scott-burrows-eden-monika-paplaczyk-thrive

Scott Burrows (Eden) Monika Paplaczyk (Thrive)

We’re working together to install rooftop and ground mount solar on schools and businesses across the UK.

Thrive partners with Eden Sustainable on solar accelerator deal facility aiming to fund up to 75MW of new 'direct wire' solar projects

<p><span data-contrast="auto">The new score reflects our growing environmental and social impact as we continue bringing together people, companies and communities to accelerate change.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Core areas of the business that we’ve increased our impact in include environmental reporting and supply chain due diligence. We also significantly increased energy efficiency in our office, for example overhauling the lighting to an intelligent system of LEDs that are using over 60% less energy.</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Thrive has been taking action to tackle climate change for almost 30 years. During that time we’ve built or funded 39 clean energy projects, </span>generating over 2.2TWh of clean electricity. That’s <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/thrive-renewables-plc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">enough to meet the demand of 1.3 million UK residents, saving over 1 million tonnes of CO2e emissions</a><a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/thrive-renewables-plc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="auto">.</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In 2023 our portfolio of renewable energy projects generated 136,316MWh of clean electricity, enough to power all the homes in a town the size of Preston and delivered emissions reductions equivalent to 58,620 tCO</span><span data-contrast="auto">2</span><span data-contrast="auto">e. Recognising that there’s always more that we can do to reduce our carbon intensity we have committed to <a href="/our-impact/business-ethics/net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reaching net zero by 2030</a> as part of the SME Climate Hub.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>


<p><span class="TextRun SCXW107814860 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107814860 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="footnote text">[1] Based on our analysis of a publicly available dataset from B Lab, up to date as of April 2024:</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107814860 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="footnote text"> </span><a href="https://data.world/blab/b-corp-impact-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107814860 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="footnote text">https://data.world/blab/b-corp-impact-data</span></a></span><a href="https://data.world/blab/b-corp-impact-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="EOP SCXW107814860 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></a></p>


bristol-bath-b-corps-b

Bristol & Bath B Corps B

Twenty point increase in impact score.

Thrive in top 3% of UK B Corps following recertification

<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)’s Green Match Fund appeal aims to provide more communities with the bespoke tools and resources that they need to create sustainable, resilient places to live – from improving the energy efficiency of houses and community buildings to preserving natural spaces and setting up social enterprises for community energy. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As long-standing supporters of CSE’s work helping communities to take local climate action, we are proud to support their Green Match Fund this April. Between 18th-25th, Thrive will be doubling donations made to CSE until the match pot runs out. This means your donation could make twice the difference.</span></p>
<h4><a href="https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002S0j8wAAB?utm_source=thrive&amp;utm_medium=comms&amp;utm_campaign=gmf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to donate</a></h4>


<p><span data-contrast="auto">Providing Green Match Funding to CSE is part of our wider commitment to the charity. They also  deliver our Community Benefit Programme which improves energy efficiency for community buildings near our sites, making them warmer, cosier and cheaper to run. By working together on the Green Match Fund we can help even more communities reduce carbon emissions and use energy more sustainably.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>


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