In the UK, 40% of our electricity is produced by renewable energy sources – and although this is a vast improvement from the 1990s, there is still so much to be done to decarbonise the electricity system by 2035.
You can watch the full webinar and read through our five key takeaways below.
1. There’s more to Thrive’s portfolio than solar, wind, and hydro power Renewable energy in the UK is evolving and although Thrive’s portfolio largely focuses on wind, hydro and solar power– they are investing in new technologies too. Recent developments include building a 5MW battery storage facility near Milton Keynes and a 20MW battery project in Bristol. Batteries store electricity when it is abundant, for example during windy spells, and re-inject it into the grid at peak times when we need it most, while also maintaining electrical frequency – helping to balance our energy system.
Thrive also continues to lead the way by investing in the UK's first commercial deep geothermal electricity generation plant in Cornwall. Meanwhile, its commercial rooftop solar projects provide electricity for partnered organisations, while helping speed up green energy adoption and reduce energy bills. We recently dug further into Thrive future-fit portfolio, and you can read more here.
2. A robust governance structure is key to delivering for investors Thrive has investors of all shapes and sizes – some investing as little as £5, and institutional investors bringing in millions. With almost 6,000 investors, having a solid governance structure is imperative to Thrive, to do right by investors trusting them with their money. The company has a board with both executive and non-executive directors which includes individuals with varied sector experience – including skills across engineering, ESG investing, and accounting – allowing Thrive and its shareholders to benefit from broad experience in all business areas.
Not only this, in 2021 and 2022, Thrive was listed as one of B Corp’s ‘Best For The World – Environment’ businesses, meaning they scored in the top 5% of all B Corps globally in the environment category – an impressive feat.
3. We need a longer-term view and policymaker involvement to stabilise energy prices
Matthew Clayton, Managing Director, highlighted a need to transition the wholesale energy market, which currently operates via half-hourly auctions. As gas is one of the most expensive energy options, and is easily turned on and off, it tends to be the last ‘unit’ of energy coming into the market and sets the price. This longstanding system continues to drive up UK energy costs. Matthew explains that the system must take a long-term view, focusing on capacity over marginal costs – helping our energy market stabilise and leading to a welcome reduction in household costs.
Policymakers are also critical in helping the UK move to green energy. Monika Paplaczyk, Investment Director, highlights the ongoing issues of access to the grid and having the ability to export power easily, and planning policy. The unfavourable planning policy for further onshore wind farms in England has suppressed development since 2015. Monika also signals that our national and local governments must develop more supportive policies to facilitate the energy transition.
4. Carbon content of technologies must always be a consideration
Ensuring growth in renewables is one thing, but increasingly investors are seeking more information on the carbon content of producing and delivering renewables projects. Thrive is proud of doing the right thing for people and profit – by looking at embedded carbon in their projects across the full supply chain, while considering wider social aspects of installation. As an example, wind turbines and the associated civil works have a relatively small carbon content and for Thrive’s projects, this is typically paid back by the emissions savings from renewable energy generation within six months of installation.
5. Urgency around climate change is driving investment needsThrive’s principal revenue stream is the sale of electricity. Its ongoing focus on driving investment from a wide set of investors allows the company to retain profit and deploy capital straight into renewables. Matthew states that although possible to grow organically, the urgency of climate change keeps driving them to raise capital – increasing the company’s positive impact sooner rather than later.
Find out more Thrive Renewables is an established renewable energy investment company with a 26-year track record funding, building, owning and operating clean energy projects. As a certified B Corp and mission-based business since the beginning, it believes in a clean, smart energy system, powered by the investment of many. Its mission is to power the transition to a sustainable energy future by helping people meaningfully connect with clean energy projects.
Thrive is raising capital through a share offer to help support the next stage in its growth.
https://www.thriverenewables.co.uk/for-investors/share-offer