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kessingland

Latest news

<p>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.</p>
<p>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>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>


<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
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<p>[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></p>
<p>[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></p>


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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

Featured

<p>Our website address has changed from triodosrenewables.co.uk to www.thriverenewables.co.uk</p>
<p>The underlying company, our renewable projects and team remain the same and we continue to maintain our core values and principles. Our aim for the new website is to provide an even better user experience for our visitors and shareholders. This includes improvements to the layout so you can find your way around the site more easily.</p>
<p>We have now launched the first part of the website with a view to fully completing the site by the end of September. If you have any queries or require further information, please do contact us directly.<br />
We welcome your feedback to <a href="mailto:info@thriverenewables.co.uk">info@thriverenewables.co.uk</a> and hope you enjoy the new look and feel of the Thrive Renewables website.</p>


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As part our move to Thrive Renewables, we have redeveloped and launched a new website.

Our new website goes live

<p>Within the first week of going live to existing shareholders, the offer had received almost half of its funding target. The bond had a £250 minimum investment with 5.5% annual return over a five year period and appeared to be warmly welcomed by the investor community. The investment was secured against two existing and generating wind farms in Strichen, Scotland, and as part of its community initiatives, Thrive Renewables made the bond available to the local public as part of the pre-general release.</p>
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<p>Thrive Renewables has a strong investor community which now includes 418 bond holders, of which 100 with an average investment of £6,900 per holder. Investors were drawn from all areas and ages ranging from 24 to 90 years showing the diversity of Thrive Renewables’ community. Despite the withdraw of Government subsidies for renewable energy, the success of this bond offer is testament to Thrive Renewables’ approach of investing in solid portfolios honed over a 20 year history.</p>
<p>Building on the success of Thrive’s recently published annual results, 2015 has been a record-breaking year for the company, with a 16% growth in investor numbers and revenue was up 22% to £15 million. Generation capacity also rose to 169,485 MWh of renewable energy with increased impact equivalent to 72,876 tonnes of CO2 saved (up 26% on last year).</p>
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Investors have demonstrated their confidence in renewable energy by embracing Thrive Renewables group’s first ever bond offer which closed in record time.

Thrive's first bond offer completed in just under four weeks

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<p>There had previously been a barn owl box on the site, installed on Wessex Water’s pumping station by the Hawk and Owl Trust many years ago. The pumping station is situated right next to one of the wind turbines so, before building work began this box, plus others at the site, were moved to a new location about 400 metres from the wind turbine.</p>
<p>Barn owls were known to use the existing box for breeding prior to the construction of the turbines but have not been recorded breeding on site since the boxes were relocated and the turbines built. The Landmark Practice, who monitor the ecology of the site on behalf of Thrive Renewables, were therefore pleased to find two owlets last month, which are thought to have hatched around the beginning of June. The owlets, which are now seven to eight weeks old, will be competent fliers at around ten weeks old, but will remain close to the nest box until they disperse at around 13 weeks old.</p>
<p>The planning process for the turbines was heavily influenced by wildlife at and around the site. The scheme therefore included measures designed to ensure that there was minimal impact was caused by the addition of the wind farm. This latest development shows that the measures taken have sustained the existing wildlife interest at the site, providing the sensitive conditions needed by barn owls to breed.</p>
<p>Despite the urban setting, the Avonmouth site is a stronghold for wildlife, with rough, grassland areas which are perfect for owls and their prey, including small rodents like voles. While barn owls are traditionally associated with farmland, they are equally suited to brownfield sites as long as they have access to good quality foraging and resting habitat.</p>
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Caton Moor owls

Barn Owls have nested this summer in an owl box situated at our industrial site at Avonmouth. 

We have barn owl chicks at Avonmouth

<p>With a strong 20 year history behind us and having built a trusted and established portfolio of projects driven by sustainability, the fundamentals remain, and are now more important than ever.</p>
<p>The outlook for Thrive Renewables remains positive. Our rationale for this:</p>
<ul>
<li>As one of the leading proponents of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the UK has set national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in law.</li>
<li>The weak pound will increase the cost of imported energy prices making renewables more competitive and home grown energy all the more valuable. This moves us closer to a level playing field for renewables making the security of supply a stronger case for the future.</li>
<li>The majority of our debt has fixed interest rates, thereby mitigating exposure to any increased volatility in interest rates.</li>
</ul>
<p>2015 was a record-breaking year of renewable generation for Thrive Renewables with strong growth in our community of shareholders (up 16% in the year to 5,700). Revenue is up 22% to £15m achieving pre-tax profit of £2.3m. In addition, we have just completed our very successful 5.5% bond offer which completed in just under four weeks, connecting more people with renewable energy and releasing capital for growth.</p>
<p>Whilst there is uncertainty in the market, Thrive Renewables shall continue to generate sustainable electricity 365 days a year, rain and shine.</p>


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The wind still blows and the rain continues to fall…

Brexit will not change the weather

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<p>With the addition of three new wind projects, combined with good wind resources in 2015, this allowed Thrive Renewables’ to generate a total of 169,485MWh of renewable energy,  26% more than the 134,480MWh generated in 2014.</p>
<p>The 2015 generation is equivalent to satisfying the electricity demand of 41,187  UK homes (32,080: 2014).</p>
<h2>2015 highlights</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong style="font-size: 16px;">169, 485MWh </strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">&#8211; the amount of green energy we generated</span></li>
<li><strong>41,187 </strong>&#8211;  number of equivalent UK homes powered from our wind farms</li>
<li><strong>3 </strong>&#8211; new projects built (two in Aberdeenshire (100% ownership) and Boardinghouse (75% ownership)</li>
<li><strong>£14,000 </strong>– donations for energy improvements in community buildings and community funding at Wern Ddu site supporting local initiatives</li>
<li><strong>12.83 tonnes CO<sub>2 </sub></strong>– saved per year by an average shareholder (based on 3,800 shares)</li>
<li><strong>15% </strong>&#8211; growth in our shareholder base</li>
<li><strong>7 </strong>&#8211; homes powered with renewable electricity by every shareholder</li>
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<h2>Operational highlights</h2>
<ul>
<li>The company’s operational generating capacity grew by 17%, from 54.8MW in 2014 to 64.1MW in 2015.</li>
<li>The energisation of Boardinghouse, Auchtygills and Clayfords added 11.85MW (9.3MW when adjusted for Thrive’s ownership) to the portfolio.</li>
<li>Additionally, in November 2015 the Thrive Renewables provided a £2.7m mezzanine debt facility to Renewable Energy Ventures (Gevens) Limited. The £2.7m facility bridges a funding gap, allowing the developer to continue to own and realise the three turbine 6.9MW wind project located in Fife, Scotland. The project’s construction is on schedule and due to commence operations in autumn 2016.</li>
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It’s been a record-breaking year of renewable generation with strong growth in our community of shareholders (up 16% in the year to 5,700).

Results for year end 2015

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<h3><strong>How long have you been with Thrive Renewables and what is your role on the board?</strong></h3>
<p>I’ve been a Non-Executive Director for three years now. My responsibility, along with the other non-executive directors, is to work closely with the executive team providing objective advice and opinion when required. With a background in Socially Responsible Investment (SRI), together with strategic marketing advice, I bring my experience of marketing and communicating environmental and social impact to the Board, and view Thrive’s development and growth through this lens.</p>
<h3><strong>What is your day job and how do you implement the skills from this into your role with Thrive?</strong></h3>
<p>I am currently Director of Responsible Investment and Stewardship at CCLA, the largest UK fund manager for SRI. I analyse companies’ environmental and social performance and integrate that into investment analysis – at the moment, for example, I am leading on public health issues.</p>
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<p>There are many aspects of my background that I bring to the table at Thrive, including my six years in strategic marketing which is necessary for a company as big as Thrive. With a huge base of shareholders, our marketing is more significant than for other renewable energy investments.</p>
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<p>Sixteen years ago I persuaded Cazenove Capital to develop an SRI offering and embedded it across the entire investment process. This experience allows me to pick up on what parts of the business are most relevant to ethical and socially responsible investors, and how to utilise that.</p>
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<p>I’ve also got board experience as a trustee of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and seven years as a board member of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance (UKSIF) – initiating the launch of member services to support the smaller ethical investment houses – so I’ve got lots to draw on in order to help Thrive grow and develop.</p>
<h3><strong>What&#8217;s your favourite aspect of your role and why?</strong></h3>
<p>I greatly enjoy supporting the team and the excellent work they do. In particular, always putting the shareholders first – which is absolutely key to Thrive, and working on improving interaction with our shareholders. As a Non-Executive Director we can often offer new perspectives to the Executive team, so I like to be able to help in that way too.</p>
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<h3><strong>Why did you choose to join Thrive&#8217;s board?</strong></h3>
<p>I had been aware of Triodos Renewables (as Thrive Renewables was) since 2001 – and greatly admired its ambition and the drive of the team behind it. I was particularly drawn to its breadth of appeal and inclusiveness, encouraging anyone to take a stake in renewable energy generation in the UK.  Triodos has established a brand with a great reputation for ethics and Thrive continues to embody them now. It&#8217;s both an exciting and fulfilling time to be a board member of Thrive today.</p>
<h3><strong>What do you think makes Thrive unique?</strong></h3>
<p>The shareholder base. We have almost 6,000 individual shareholders who are passionate about taking a stake in the generation of renewable energy – which makes us unlike anyone else. They are very engaged which means they’re a committed and supportive group of shareholders. They are also concerned about the sustainability of the planet and the need to support the energy business in moving to a more sustainable situation, which is a powerful and important foundation of Thrive Renewables.</p>
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Thrive Renewables. Head shots-16

What's it like to be a member of the Thrive Renewables board? In this article we ask Katie Gordon, Non-Executive Director.

Team profile: Katie Gordon, Non-Executive Director

<p>With a range of shares available to purchase, investors were free to bid on as many or few shares as they liked. Bidding closed at 4.30pm and in total 51,842 shares were traded, all at £2.25 per share. This is within 1% of the Directors’ recommended share price and all sellers offering shares at £2.25 or below were cleared.</p>


Building on the success of its inaugural share auction, Thrive Renewables’ latest trading day saw almost 52,000 shares changing hands at a price of £2.25 each.

Share auction continues to Thrive

<p>This is the first share auction of its kind for Triodos Renewables, and the company hopes to conduct monthly auctions to enable shareholders to manage their stake in the business at regular intervals.</p>
<p>The auction received considerable interest, and after bidding closed at 16.30pm, 58,525 shares were traded this month at an average price of 198.55p per share. All sellers who offered their shares at 185p or lower sold their shares in full, and sellers who offered their shares at 190p sold part of their holding. Likewise anyone who bid 190p or higher for shares was also successful with their bids. Shares that went unsold on this occasion will now roll forward to the March auction, and will be offered on the same basis.</p>


This was the first share auction of its kind for Triodos Renewables.

First share auction success

<p>Over the last two decades Triodos Renewables has grown significantly as a renewable energy company, with 5,700 shareholders and a portfolio of 15 operational renewable projects. With a strong record of generating clean electricity and profits, Triodos Renewables is now at a size where it is able to successfully stand as a fully independent company: <strong>Thrive Renewables </strong>. This change to Thrive Renewables was a joint decision with Triodos Bank which will enable both companies to flourish independently.</p>


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TIDE &amp; ISE 2018

Triodos Renewables will now be known as Thrive Renewables and will begin to trade as such from 1 March 2016. The name change comes as part of the company’s transition to independence from Triodos Bank.

Triodos Renewables changes to Thrive Renewables

<p>The Directors undertake to revisit the Recommended Share Price when events occur which have a material impact on the value of the Company (<a title="Recommended Share Price" href="/for-investors/shareholders/directors-valuation/" data-id="1241">click here for more details of the Directors&#8217; Recommended Share Price</a>). The new price has been calculated using methodology consistent with previous valuations. Drivers behind the increase include rolling the Triodos Renewables financial model forwards capturing the financial position at the end of the 2015, and the inclusion of an investment in an addition 6.9MW onshore wind farm made in December. Updating the long-term wholesale energy price projections had the opposite effect.</p>


Triodos Renewables' Board of Directors has recently agreed a revision of the Directors' Recommended Share price.

Triodos Renewables announce share price increase

<p>But rain dampening Christmas spirits was really the least of our woes as 2015 came to a close. Storms Desmond, Eva and Frank left many in the North of the UK with terrible flooding, often hitting the same homes more than once and exposing this country’s seriously lacking environmental provisions. It was the wettest <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/uk-weather-why-the-recent-devastating-floods-will-become-the-new-normal-a6793291.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">December<sup> </sup>since records began</a> for Scotland and Wales, the fourth-wettest for Northern Ireland and the second-wettest overall for the UK – but why?</p>
<p>It’s a sad fact that the phrase ‘since records began’ has become a regular feature in our weather reporting. The Met Office have predicted that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/17/2016-set-to-be-hottest-year-on-record-globally" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 will be the hottest on record</a>, which will mean the three hottest years on record have happened in a row. Rainfall in December will make <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35204014" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 one of the top 10 wettest years since 1910</a>. And in the US, <a href="https://weather.com/news/weather/news/weird-facts-december-2015-warmth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 6,000 warm-temperature records</a><sup> </sup>were set this December.  The link to El Nino is often cited, but the meteorological community confirms that 2015’s extreme weather was partially due to El Ninio, but <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35354579" target="_blank" rel="noopener">primarily driven by climate change</a>.</p>
<p>This extreme weather means more than just the tragic droughts and floodings. The Met Offices’ prediction indicates the global average temperature in 2016 will be 1.14°C above pre-industrial temperatures, making the 1.5°C goal set at COP21 a huge challenge.</p>
<p>It’s clear that temperatures are rising and more extreme weather is likely to be on the cards for years to come. We take some comfort from <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35213884" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Cameron’s  pledge of £40m</a> to enhance  flood defences – but we all need to work together to address the cause, as well as mitigating the immediate symptoms. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/407432/20150203_2013_Final_Emissions_statistics.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Energy contributes to 30%<sup> </sup>of UK emissions</a> by generating more power renewably and consuming energy more consciously reductions are being achieved. Accelerating progress here is a more sustainable way of addressing the long term problem than building ever higher concrete barriers. If we really want to keep to the pledges of COP21, investment in a more sustainable energy system is a clear path to a concerted effort from this country to help put the brakes on climate change.</p>
<p>More extreme weather is something that we are going to have to approach in a multi-faceted way. While weather damage prevention is important, reducing green house gas emissions is key to addressing climate change.</p>
<p>We can all play our part and contribute to cleaning up the energy system and consuming energy more consciously. Triodos Renewables is delivering a growing volume of renewable energy, and we’re also identifying ways to contribute to the wider energy system through energy efficiency, demand side management and storage; all of which are jigsaw pieces in a more sustainable system.</p>
<p>With the last of the storms hopefully behind us for now, we need to continue to deliver the solutions, not wait for the next disaster to hit.</p>


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caton winter 2

We must focus on delivering the solutions to climate change. 

Can we afford to smash any more weather records?

<p>Early in 2015 we also welcomed 800 more shareholders bringing our community to over 5700, the £4.1m raised from both existing and new shareholders allowed us to complete the three construction projects and invest in another 6.9MW wind farm where construction is now underway.</p>
<h3>Triodos Renewables keeps on growing</h3>
<p>2015 was a great year for the expansion of our portfolio. We completed the construction of three new onshore wind projects, two based in Scotland  and the third located in East Anglia, where Triodos Renewables owns 75% of this 10 MW project. Us taking a part stake in this project filled a funding gap and allowed the landlord and developers to finish the project ahead of time.</p>
<p>The operational portfolio generated 18% more green electricity than ever before, generating enough to power the equivalent of more that 39,500 UK homes.</p>
<p>We also increased our presence at a number of sustainable energy events to broaden our network into new markets and technologies, as a response to recent political impact on wind and solar project pipeline and our interest in diversification.</p>
<h3>A successful year for shareholders</h3>
<p>This time last year, our eighth share issue was closed on 30 January 2015, with a private placement for a large shareholder completed in April 2015. We raised £4.1million which has been used to fund the year’s growth in projects. With a further 800 shareholders supporting the company, it feels like a year where both the importance and contribution of renewable energy is part of the nations growing consciousness.</p>
<p>We celebrated in style at our <a title="Twenty years of contributing to a cleaner planet" href="/latest-news/events/twenty-years-of-contributing-to-a-cleaner-planet/" data-id="1549">birthday themed AGM</a> on 19th June, which marked our 20th anniversary. Two decades is a long time in the UK renewables industry. We’ve seen a lot of change and huge achievements, with renewable technologies now no longer ‘alternative energy’ and generating more power than nuclear. It was great to share this achievement with our shareholders, some of whom have been with us from day one.</p>
<h3>Triodos Renewables in the community</h3>
<p>We supported a wide range of community engagement initiatives during 2015, both through established local benefit schemes and wider initiatives. Just a few of our achievements included more sustainable street lighting at Eye and LED Christmas lights at Doddington, near our <a title="Boardinghouse wind farm" href="/our-projects/boardinghouse-wind-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-id="1473">Boardinghouse wind farm</a> in Cambridgeshire. We also contributed to Ambition Lawrence Weston, a community driven social regeneration project near our Avonmouth wind farm.</p>
<p>Our second family open day at Avonmouth was a success in the summer, raising awareness of renewable energy and aiming to dispel common myths about wind power. We plan to roll out open days to other parts of the country to reach a wider audience and further engage with the communities around our projects.</p>
<p>For the inaugural open day in 2014 we commissioned the ExplorerDome renewable energy show. In 2015, we both used the show at the open day and took it into schools. Plus, our Avonmouth site was chosen for the filming of a <a title="Take a virtual field trip to our wind farm" href="/latest-news/news/take-a-virtual-field-trip-to-our-wind-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-id="1511">virtual field trip</a> as a resource for teachers all over the UK to supporting education and curriculum learning.</p>
<h3>The launch of the community benefit fund</h3>
<p>Extending this good work is our new <a title="Community benefit fund" href="/our-impact/community-benefit-programme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-id="1201">Community Benefit Fund</a>, which opened on 30 November 2015 to enhance specific local work already being done. It has nationwide coverage with initial focus close to our project sites, and involves a process in which communities can get free advice and apply for funding for sustainability measures.  The grants will make community buildings more sustainable and accessible to groups and individuals who rely on them.</p>
<p>The fund is being administered by the national charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy.  Although it has only been open for a couple of months, we have already had a lot of initial interest from communities up and down the UK, and we hope to do lots of good through this scheme in 2016.</p>


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While 2016 looks set to be an exciting and busy year for Triodos Renewables, we’d like to reflect on the year that has passed before we get too immersed in the future. 

2015 in brief: Triodos Renewables generated more energy than ever before

<p>Below we outline just some of the ways we are working towards net zero – from our own 2030 pledge to supporting UK businesses with their decarbonisation goals through on-site renewables.</p>
<h3><strong>1. Funding and building clean energy projects</strong></h3>
<p>Thrive invests in a mix of sustainable energy projects that reflect the changes the UK must make to decarbonise the electricity system. To date we’ve funded a total of 32 clean energy projects including onshore wind, hydro, solar, battery storage, geothermal and renewable heat. In 2022, our projects generated 133,858 MWh of clean electricity, enough to power 38,000 homes, and delivered 58,314 tonnes in carbon emissions reductions [1]. In 2022, we allocated £11.4 million to develop new renewable energy projects that will help lower bills, improve the UK’s energy security and power the transition to a net zero electricity system.<strong> </strong></p>
<h3><strong>2. Joining the race to zero</strong></h3>
<p>As a business we are committed to reaching net zero by 2030. In 2022, we made significant progress, publishing our <a href="/our-impact/business-ethics/net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net zero strategy</a> with the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build resilient businesses for the future. We are pleased to report our Scope 1 and 2 emissions are now at zero &#8211; this refers to our direct emissions, such as electricity consumption at our renewable generation sites and in our office. Moving forward, we are focusing on how we measure and reduce our Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions, including emissions from our supply chain and employee commuting).<strong> </strong></p>
<h3><strong>3. Engaging communities in renewables</strong></h3>
<p>We’re big believers in the role that communities have to play in the energy transition. Not only do local, community-owned projects ensure the benefits of clean energy are open to all, but they also help inform and drive the wider behavioural change. Thrive is proud to support communities with building their own clean energy projects through our multi award-winning funding offer. To date, we’ve invested £16 million in community-owned onshore wind and solar projects, including funding the construction of England’s largest onshore wind turbine.</p>
<p>Through our voluntary community benefit programme – which offers annual energy efficiency grants of up to £30,000 to community buildings close to our sites – we’re helping to ensure the benefits of clean energy are being felt by those who need it most. Additionally, we hold annual community open days and school visits, which give local people the chance to learn more about how renewables work.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Supporting businesses in their journey to net zero</strong></h3>
<p>Businesses have a huge role to play in supporting the UK’s net zero target. As well as working to reduce our own emissions, we work closely with businesses to help fund and build ‘direct wire’ projects. Thrive enables businesses to decarbonise by providing the funding and skills to install and operate renewable energy projects on their commercial premises. For example, we’re proud to have worked with Greenvale AP, one of the UK’s largest potato suppliers, to install a single wind turbine next to their factory – supplying up to 75% of their total electricity.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Incentivising green initiatives for staff</strong></h3>
<p>We take our carbon footprint incredibly seriously in all areas of our business. Our head office is a certified BREEAM Green Building (one of the greenest in Bristol) and has solar panels located on the roof. Any printed documents, including our Annual Report, are zero carbon. We also look for ways to support our staff in making more environmentally-conscious decisions, this includes offering a bike to work scheme alongside signing up to <a href="https://www.wearepossible.org/climate-perks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Possible’s Climate Perks</a> initiative, which allows team members to take two paid ‘travel days’ per year when they choose to travel sustainably rather than by plane.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>[1] Average residents per household 2.4 (<a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/familiesandhouseholds/2020"><strong>https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/familiesandhouseholds/2020</strong></a>)</p>
<p>RenewableUK uses BEIS’s “all non-renewable fuels” emissions statistic of 432 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2022) Table 5.14 (“Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supplied”). Carbon reduction calculated by multiplying the total amount of renewable electricity generated by Thrive’s impact portfolio per year by the number of tonnes of carbon which fossil fuels would have produced to generate the same amount of electricity.</p>


march-2

march 2

It’s UK Net Zero Week! We share some of the ways we’re helping to reduce carbon emissions and support the country’s transition to a cleaner, fairer energy system.

Building a net zero future - What's our role in the UK's energy transition?

<p>For me personally, photography has played an important role in my appreciation of the natural world and therefore my ambition to protect it. I believe that people will want to look after what they care about and have found that photography can be a powerful tool to engage others. I love experimenting with different photographic techniques, finding new ways to view the incredible wildlife our planet has to offer. Whether it’s capturing birds in flight, snapping a beautiful sunset, or getting up close with a tiny insect, I enjoy the challenge!</p>
<p>Nature is all around us and so it’s exciting that wherever I take my camera out, there will be an opportunity to discover things I’ve not seen before or a chance to capture more familiar species in a different light. Even from my flat in Bristol without a garden, I have spotted foxes, jays, and swifts from my window! Here are just a few of my favourite shots…</p>
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<figure class=""><picture><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2994/david_matheson_common_frog.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></picture></figure>
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<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">Photo 1: Things you can do to help nature – Why not consider building a pond in your garden</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">? </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">doesn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW110984829 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> need to be big! Healthy garden ponds can support a wide array of species including amphibians and invertebrates.</span></span></em></p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2993/david_matheson_brimstone_dandelion.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></p>
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<div><em><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">Photo 2: </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">Things you can do to help nature – have you heard of #NoMowMay? By delaying mowing your lawn you can help give nature a helping hand. Plants such as dandelions are vital early in the year as sources of food for pollinators </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">including bees</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">butterflies</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW209407843 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> and moths.</span></em></div>
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<div><em><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW101998902 BCX8">Photo 3: Things you can do to help nature – why not consider putting up a bird feeder in your garden? RSPB recommends year-round feeding, but it is most beneficial in the winter when food shortages are most likely. Just be careful to regularly clean your feeders to avoid </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW101998902 BCX8">risk of spreading diseases.</span></em></div>
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<div><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2996/david_matheson_red_kite.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></div>
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<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">Photo </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">4</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">: </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">D</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">id</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> you know that red kites</span></span><span class="TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW155978577 BCX8"><span class="TextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">,</span></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> with their characteristic forked tails</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">were </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">actually</span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> extinct</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> in England </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">until </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">relatively recently</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">, due to persecution from humans amongst other factors</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">?</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW155978577 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption"> Following official reintroduction efforts in the 1980s, the population of red kites has been steadily increasing to the numbers you see today. A good example of a conservation success story!</span></span></em></p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2997/david_matheson_sunset_thrift.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></p>
<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW245288747 BCX8" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW245288747 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">Photo </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW245288747 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">5</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW245288747 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="caption">: Just a nice photo of sunset by the coast – coastal walks are a favourite hobby of mine and I enjoy spending time in Wales and Cornwall. </span></span></em></p>
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<h3><span data-contrast="auto">Renewable energy and protecting nature</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">My role at Thrive incorporates my passion for nature and enables me to make a tangible difference in the climate emergency. In 2022, Thrive published our Biodiversity Policy, outlining our approach to nature. As Sustainability Analyst, I manage this strategy, considering biodiversity during the different project stages – whether it be our operational sites, projects in construction or those we’re considering investing in. For example, we’ve recently established a detailed landscape plan for our battery storage site in Bristol that </span><span data-contrast="auto">focusses</span><span data-contrast="auto"> on establishing and maintaining habitats such as species-rich grassland and native trees and hedgerows, which will encourage biodiversity on site. It also includes more places for wildlife to nest and shelter including bird and bat boxes, invertebrate boxes and a hedgehog house.</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I enjoy making regular visits to the battery site to check in on the progress of delivering this plan, and of course couldn’t miss the opportunity to capture some pictures of our new wildlife boxes during a recent visit…</span></p>
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<p><img decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2999/feeder_rd_wildlife_boxes-14.jpg?width=620&amp;mode=none&amp;scale=downscaleonly&amp;quality=80" alt="" /></p>
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<p>It’s clear that climate change and biodiversity must be addressed together as they are inherently related. I’m passionate about the role that businesses have to play in this. It’s been inspiring connecting with other B Corps and sustainability professionals, who like us are working towards net zero and reducing their environmental impacts. It’s incredibly motivating to know that my job is making a tangible difference.</p>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">To see more of David’s photos you can visit his website at </span><a href="https://www.davidmatheson.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">David Matheson &#8211; Wildlife Photographer.</span></a></p>
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thrive-frportraits-77

THRIVE FRportraits-77

In support of Great Big Green Week, find out what motivates David, our sustainability analyst, to protect our planet and the key role that wildlife photography plays for him.

“Photography has played an important role in my appreciation of the natural world"

<p>Taking place from 10-23 June, Community Energy Fortnight – organised by Community Energy England (CEE) – aims to raise the profile of community-led and owned energy, connect determined and dynamic practitioners in the sector, and inspire new people, businesses, and other organisations to get involved in creating a people-powered, sustainable, and resilient energy system. The Fortnight will feature a series of activities, workshops and initiatives designed to engage and connect the sector, share skills and successes across the country, and educate local people and stakeholders about the importance of community energy. To find out more, you can visit CEE’s website <a href="https://communityenergyengland.org/pages/community-energy-fortnight">here</a>.</p>
<h3>Download our new resource for communities</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/media/2976/community-energy-guide.jpg?width=382&amp;height=545" alt="" width="382" height="545" data-udi="umb://media/8c067df1cb7f4130b9a0217f3df28ccb" /></p>
<p>As a renewable energy investment company, one way in which we can support community energy groups is by providing the funding and expertise needed to get projects off the ground and delivering sustainable energy. In fact, since we first created our community energy funding bridge in 2016, we’ve invested over £16 million into local wind and solar projects in the UK.</p>
<p>With the theme of this year&#8217;s CEF focused around &#8216;skills sharing&#8217;, we’ve collated our decades-long experience working within the renewables sector into a new guide for community energy groups. It includes information on Thrive’s multi award-winning community funding model, local case studies and considerations for those looking to start their journey.</p>
<p><a href="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Power-for-the-people-How-to-get-your-clean-energy-project-funded_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download it here</a></p>
<h3><strong>Funding England&#8217;s largest onshore wind turbine with Ambition Community Energy</strong></h3>
<p><strong><img decoding="async" src="/media/2977/thrive-ace-turbine-090223-lower-res-61.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/03686031c8fa4983be32ec4b94d71ac2" /></strong></p>
<p>Last year, we used our award-winning community energy funding bridge to help a group of Bristol residents in building England’s largest onshore wind turbine. We provided a £4 million loan to <a href="https://www.ambitioncommunityenergy.org/">Ambition Community Energy</a> so that it could move this brilliant community initiative into construction after years of planning issues. It was added to loans from Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) City Funds and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as well as a grant from the West of England Combined Authority Low Carbon Challenge Fund (part of the European Regional Development Fund).</p>
<p>The newly constructed turbine is capable of generating enough power for close to 3,000 homes – the equivalent to Lawrence Weston’s domestic use – and will save almost 48,345 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime. Profits from electricity sales will be reinvested back into local good causes, while the group also plan to build an Energy Learning Zone to inspire and upskill residents for zero carbon careers.</p>
<p>Hear more from the people who worked tirelessly to make this project happen in our video below.</p>


Constructing England's largest onshore wind turbine

Power to the people

thrive-renewables-open-day-in-avonmouth-september-2022-9

Thrive renewables open day in Avonmouth. September 2022.

As well as being the main sponsor for this year’s event, we’ve developed a new resource for community energy groups looking to build their own local energy project.

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