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Half year operating profit was £3.9 million on a revenue of £9.4 million (41%), including the contribution from investments. This is compared to an operating profit of £7.4 million on a revenue of £14.6 million (50.6%) in the first half of 2024. The decrease in turnover and operating profit is the result of lower electricity prices, which are now returning towards pre-energy crisis levels.
Diversifying the portfolio 
We continued to make strong headway on our growth plan to double generation capacity by 2028. Development of the two onshore wind farms we acquired in 2024 is well underway and earlier this year we acquired a 10MW ground mount solar farm in Essex. Dunmow solar farm is now operational, making the most of the sunshine we’ve experienced this summer. The site generated enough clean electricity to power over 8,000 homes in June, a very sunny month.
As well as acquiring new projects we’re committed to extending the life of our oldest assets. We’re pleased to be partnering with Burgar Hill Renewables to repower a wind project on Orkney, with plans to replace five of the current turbines (including our Sigurd turbine) with four larger and more efficient machines – harnessing the abundant natural resources at one of the best sites for wind generation in Europe.
Accelerating the energy transition through collaborative funding
We’ve always been big believers in community energy, investing over £21 million to date in community-led wind and solar. Now we’ve launched a £40 million funding partnership with Better Society Capital, the UK’s leading social impact investor, to offer flexible funding for community groups to build their own clean energy projects or take a stake in part of a larger project in their area. Fair Play Clean Energy, Thrive’s existing joint venture with TopCashback Sustainability Ltd, will provide £20 million of the investment, with Better Society Capital providing matched funding.
We’re also pledging to provide an opportunity for the community to own a share of every new project we acquire. Following through on that promise, we recently welcomed Community Energy Pathways and members of the local community to our Dunmow solar farm, who are helping us shape how shared ownership could work on this particular project.
Building a cleaner, fairer future for communities
For nine years we’ve been awarding energy efficiency grants to community centres near our clean energy projects – helping them become warmer, cosier and cheaper to run. The latest round of our Community Benefit Programme launched in August 2025 with grantees to be announced this Autumn.
In celebration of our 30th anniversary, this year we’re making an additional £30,000 available to help install solar panels on two community buildings close to our sites. This will be administered with the help of Centre for Sustainable Energy, which also runs our Community Benefit Programme.
Thrive’s mission is to create a cleaner, fairer future for generations to come. Earlier this year we were excited to get a small glimpse of what that future might look like. We welcomed the renowned food writer and environmental campaigner, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, to our Avonmouth wind farm to film an advertisement with local children, exploring the extraordinary power of wind and sunshine. Watch the video below.

Ad- Watch as the renowned food writer and environmental campaigner is joined by local primary school children on site to explore the power of wind and sunshine – and have some fun along the way!

School trip to the future with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

[1] Refers to Thrive’s impact portfolio – total electricity generation of the portfolio adjusted for Thrive’s proportion of ownership, plus the projects Thrive is funding
[2] Calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) showing that UK average domestic household consumption is 3,301kWh per annum (1,650kWh for a half year)
[3] Carbon reduction is calculated by multiplying the total amount of renewable electricity generated by Thrive’s impact portfolio in the first half of 2025 by the number of tonnes of carbon which fossil fuels would have produced to generate the same amount of electricity. We have used DESNZ’s “all non-renewable fuels” emissions statistic of 437 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied from the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2024) Table 5.14 (“Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supplied”). Additionally, we include a conservative estimate of the carbon saved through operating our BESS projects.
[4] Based on June generation figure of 2,230 MWh and calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero showing that UK average domestic household consumption is 3,301 kWh per annum (275 kWh for 1 month) (<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6763dd7ebe7b2c675de30820/Subnational-electricity-and-gas-consumption-summary-report-2023.pdf">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6763dd7ebe7b2c675de30820/Subnational-electricity-and-gas-consumption-summary-report-2023.pdf</a>)

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HY report cover 2

We’re continuing to diversify the portfolio with the addition of a 10MW solar farm and new collaborative funding facility for community energy projects.

Half year results 2025 – strong progress made on growth plan

Featured

Local Power Plan  
Community-owned energy has a huge role to play in a cleaner, fairer future and something we have long been supportive of, facilitating community ownership at our very first wind project back in the early 90s. Given the enormity of the challenge faced in transitioning our energy sector, we need everyone to be on board.  We feel that involving people in local energy projects is key to building collective buy in for this crucial change. But despite widespread support (62% would back a community-owned scheme in their area), projects face a myriad of challenges, from early-stage funding to grid connection queues and a shortage of skills and resources. A recent article in the <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/sustainability/energy/2025/11/reclaiming-community-energy-could-help-save-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Statesman</a> summarises it perfectly – “the enthusiasm exists; the infrastructure does not”.  
But the topic of community energy is now gaining momentum, with much anticipation around the upcoming Local Power Plan – a policy document from the government-owned energy company, Great British Energy (GBE), which has the potential to turbocharge people-owned wind, solar and hydro. Teased in the <a href="https://www.gbe.gov.uk/strategic-plan-2025-html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Government’s recent strategic plan</a>, GBE is pledging its support for over 1,000 local and community energy projects by 2030 in a bid to reshape how energy is generated and consumed at a local level. 
Expected in early 2026, the Local Power Plan will set out the ambition for this growth and “develop a range of interventions and products that address the unique challenges facing local and community energy […] and work to identify the common solutions that can be used as a platform for scaling up delivery”. We very much look forward to publication and hope to see a clear framework of how GBE plans to work with the private sector, which will be vital in providing the funding and expertise for development.   
Grid constraints 
Last year was the cleanest ever for UK electricity, with renewables generating over half of the UK’s electricity for the first time. To completely decarbonise the electricity system by 2035, we still need to see a massive scaling up of clean energy sources. We have seen good progress on this in 2025, but  grid constraints – i.e. the bottlenecks in the electricity network that prevents power flowing freely and efficiently – are still a challenge. It was great to see connections reforms introduced this year to give  the National Energy System Operator (NESO) authority to terminate ‘zombie’ projects (those that are stalled or non-viable) and prioritise those that are ready for development and align with the UK&#8217;s Clean Power Action Plan – like our Abergorki and Whitelaw Brae wind farms. In 2026, we expect to see the first projects to benefit from these reforms to come to fruition. On top of that, Ofgem recently announced £28 billion of investment into the UK’s energy infrastructure, helping to transform the grid, which was largely built in the 1960s, into a system that can keep up with the  modern demand for energy.  
Contracts for Difference  
In 2025 the government announced reforms to its Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme aimed at boosting renewable energy deployment. The CfD is a mechanism which offers long term price stability for new renewable energy projects, commencing with an auction to ensure price stability is offered at an appropriate level. One of the key changes announced was that the contract length for solar, onshore wind and offshore wind will be extended from 15 to 20 years. This means that costs are spread over a longer period which provides greater revenue certainty &#8211; this in turn allows projects to access lower cost debt, which contributes to allowing renewables to continue to lower the cost of the power generated. Allocation Round 7 (AR 7) which opened in August 2025, is the first to operate under the new rules. We’re pleased to see repowered onshore wind projects made eligible for AR7 and future rounds as part of the changes as well.  This will strengthen the business case for repowering older wind farms, allowing them to benefit from technological advances, and produce more clean power. AR7 has a total budget of £310 million for onshore renewables – this is the maximum support the government would pay renewable energy generators if wholesale electricity prices dropped below the auctioned CfD price (offshore wind has a separate budget). With AR7 expected to be the biggest allocation round since 2014, we are waiting in anticipation for the results to be published in early 2026. We hope the results will support the capacity development needed if we are to meet 2030 clean power targets. 
… And for us it’s all about building new capacity 
Look out for exciting updates from the Thrive team next year as we make significant progress with some of our projects. Work on our 14-turbine Whitelaw Brae wind farm will really ramp up, following progress with access tracks and foundations in 2025, with commissioning expected to take place in late 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating enough clean electricity for around 45,000 homes a year. Construction is also set to start on Abergorki, our proposed 12.6MW wind project in South Wales, while we expect United Downs will be delivering 2MW of baseload electricity. We will also see more progress with Community Energy Catalyst, our £40 million joint venture with Better Society Capital to galvanise locally owned projects, with the first project in Kilbirnie expected to become fully operational.

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Chris Watt Photography_189

As we say goodbye to 2025, we’re heading into the New Year feeling hopeful of what’s set to be another exciting year of progress, not only for Thrive but the wider sector.

A new year is dawning, but what’s in store for renewables?

Misinformation and biases across politics, news and social media play a big role in driving scepticism and dampening the voices of the climate majority. If people feel they are in a minority they are less likely to speak up or act, which can slow down progress. So, how can we become more united in facing the climate crisis and work together to accelerate action?  
Share human stories that build trust 
Technical jargon around net zero and decarbonisation targets don’t resonate with most people. These terms can make climate change sound like a vague, abstract phenomenon, undermining its direct impact on our everyday lives. Instead, we need storytelling that people can see themselves in and connect with, such as community energy successes. Stories of communities coming together to build clean energy projects in their area demonstrate the real life benefits of the transition on people’s doorsteps – such as boosting local revenue streams and providing green jobs. They also show collective action in practice – communities across the UK right now are acting as agents in the climate emergency. The <a href="/project-funding/community-energy-groups/ace-case-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambition Community Energy wind turbine</a>, which Thrive is invested in, is a great example of this. As well as providing a new revenue stream to drive regeneration in the local area, plans for an Energy Learning Zone will inspire young people and upskill residents to pursue green careers.  
Combat misinformation 
Recently we’ve seen a surge in misinformation on the climate crisis across politics and media, from flat out denialism to misleading headlines about the cost of climate action. Whilst these voices might sometimes feel like the loudest in the room, let’s remember the 89% of us who disagree with them. The fight against climate misinformation is a global effort, but by  sharing our vision of a better future, we can make a difference; calling out false information and referring to trusted sources. The <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)</a> is widely recognised as the most credible source of information related to the science of climate change. <a href="https://shareverified.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Verified</a> is another great source for fact checking issues relating to the climate crisis – it is a United Nations initiative to provide accurate information during global crises. And Thrive has created our very own <a href="/news/2025/11/fact-vs-fiction-how-to-debunk-common-wind-and-solar-power-myths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">myth buster</a>, with tips on how to set the record straight on renewables.  
Connect and collaborate  
Simply telling people they’re part of a majority can help boost engagement with climate action. The more we talk about climate change with others, the more we can feel supported, and there are number of ways we can connect to increase collective action. Organisations like <a href="https://groups.friendsoftheearth.uk/join" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friends of the Earth</a> and <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/volunteering/join-a-local-volunteer-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Greenpeace UK</a> are a great place to start if you’re looking to find local climate action groups near you. Collaboration is the only way that we will tackle the climate crisis, which is why we bring together a range of individuals, businesses and communities to build clean energy projects, faster. Since building some of the UK’s first wind turbines in the late 90s’, together as a community we’ve built and funded 45 clean energy projects – generating over 2 million MWh of clean electricity. During that time, we’ve seen clean energy grow from the pursuits of a humble few to providing 60% of the UK’s electricity mix today. That’s the power of collective action.

tide-ise-2018-9

TIDE &amp; ISE 2018

Many Brits feel they are alone in wanting climate action despite being in the majority. Here’s how we can help change that.  

You are not alone – most people want climate action. So how can we become more united?

Grants up to £4,500 were awarded to eight community centres based near our clean energy sites – helping them to make important energy efficiency improvements such as lighting and heating upgrades, insulation, double glazing and more.
Now in its ninth year, our Community Benefit Programme administered by Centre for Sustainable Energy has awarded over £258,000 to community buildings since 2016, saving a combined estimate of 99 tonnes of emissions each year. In the latest round, grants were awarded to the following centres across the UK:  
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Trinity Centre </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Easton Community Centre </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Henley Community Centre </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Peterborough Quakers Meeting </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Polmont Sports Centre  </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">Carnforth Community Swimming Pool </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">Stuartfield Village Hall  </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Burton Community Inn </li>
</ul>

To help celebrate out 30th anniversary, this year we’re making an additional £30,000 available to install solar panels on two community buildings close to our sites.

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IMG_0488

Helping community buildings stay warm and cheaper to run in round nine of our Community Benefit Programme.  

£33,000 awarded to community centres across the UK to boost energy efficiency

It’s been great to see community energy in the spotlight this year. In March, our CEO, Matthew, was in parliament to give evidence at the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s Unlocking Community Energy at Scale inquiry, alongside other community energy experts. The government has recognised the value of direct community involvement in the energy transition and launched a consultation around community benefits and shared ownership, which we as long term advocates responded to alongside others in the industry. And just this month, Great British Energy launched its first strategic plan, which identified local energy as a key priority – we look forward to seeing how this develops with the publication of the much-anticipated Local Power Plan next year.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-8238" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1703" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chris-Watt-Photography_302-2048x1363.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
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Flying the flag for community energy

Talking of community energy, in 2025 we launched an exciting joint venture with the UK’s leading social impact investor, Better Society Capital &#8211; bringing together £40 million for community-owned wind and solar projects across the UK. The new initiative, Community Energy Catalyst (CEC), will provide funding for 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. In the summer CEC made its first investment, taking over Thrive’s £4 million loan to ATTIX CIC to fund the construction and operation of the 2.5MW community-owned wind farm in Kilbirnie, Scotland.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-9086" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kilbirnie-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />

Community Energy Catalyst launch

Solar generation reached new heights this year, rising by a third in the first six months of 2025 to produce a record 9.91 TWh of clean electricity – enough to power all the homes in Scotland! [1] More records were broken on 8th July, when solar reached its highest ever level on the grid at 14GW (39% of the UK’s electricity demand at midday). Our new 10MW solar farm in Essex made the most of the sunshine, generating enough electricity to power over 8,000 homes in a particularly sunny June. We will be offering an opportunity for shared ownership in the project, via a local community energy group. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9169" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1706" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HY-report-cover-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />

New solar farm benefits from record year 

Shortly after the de facto ban was lifted, the Government formed its new Onshore Wind Taskforce, bringing together representatives from across the industry to explore how the roll out of this critical technology could be accelerated. As members of the finance subgroup, Thrive took part in these discussions and in July the results were published – a hefty 82-page strategy document identifying more than 40 steps to help deliver the additional 29GW of onshore wind needed by 2030. We were pleased to see grid connection reform identified as a top priority, as well as references to support for repowering older wind projects with newer, machines &#8211; utilising advances in scale, blade design and control systems which are capable of generating more power with minimal additional footprint.  
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8050" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/w-315-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />

Onshore wind strategy

In the Autumn, we joined individuals and businesses from across the globe at a glittering awards ceremony to celebrate some of the world’s leading sustainability initiatives. And we were extremely proud to win the award for Responsible Investor of the Year. In 2025 we also won ESG Investor of the Year at the Business Green Awards, Net Zero Developer of the Year at Regen’s Green Energy Awards and Sustainable Finance Team of the Year at the Global Good Awards.  
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9287" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025.jpg" alt="Thrive's CEO smiling and holding the award trophy for Responsible Investor of the Year at the Reuters Global Sustainability Awards" width="2000" height="1333" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025.jpg 2000w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Reuters-Global-Sustainability-Awards-2025-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />

Reuters Responsible Investor of the Year 

In September, the first concrete pour took place at our 57MW Whitelaw Brae onshore wind farm in Scotland to secure stable foundations for the turbines. Now 11 of the 14 foundations are completed. The concrete base is crucial for ensuring the longevity and stability of the turbines so they can generate clean electricity for decades to come. We were really pleased to be on site to witness the first concrete pour, alongside our co-investors in the project, TopCashback Sustainability Ltd. The project is on track to start generating next year, and, once operational, it will be capable of generating enough clean electricity for around 45,000 homes a year. Since construction commenced in March, we have averaged over 50 people constructing the site, plus health and safety, civil, electrical and grid designers, structural engineers, ecologist and archaeologists contributing to the responsible completion of the site.   
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9293" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04.jpg" alt="Person wearing high vis standing in front of construction site of a wind turbine" width="2048" height="1536" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04.jpg 2048w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2bf60905-b087-4917-8172-ecc587b1fe04-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" />

Construction milestone at our biggest project yet 

Talking of green jobs, at the end of October, the government announced a national plan to train people for an extra 400,000 jobs in the clean energy sector in the next five years. The Clean Energy Jobs Plan outlines its scheme to double the number of people working in the green industries by 2030, with a particular focus on upskilling oil and gas workers as well as tailored schemes for ex-offenders, school leavers, and the unemployed. We sat down with several Thrive team members to find out what they love about working in sustainability and how we, as an industry, can support more workers to find their place within the evolving green economy. <a href="/news/2025/10/clean-energy-jobs-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hear their thoughts</a>.   
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-2173" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/THRIVE-OxfordVisit-8-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />

Clean Energy Jobs Plan unveiled 

Just a few weeks later, the government unveiled its long awaited Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, setting out how it will put the UK back on track to meet its net zero targets. The didn’t contain many surprises, and there were blind spots, particularly around aviation. However, there’s no denying that the government’s commitment to going “all in” on climate action is significant progress. We were particularly pleased to see the plan framed around “making the British people better off” by reducing energy costs &#8211; confirming its intention to cut household bills by £300 a year by expanding homegrown clean energy and reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels which tend to be priced on global markets. The plan also included a new “investor prospectus” to support green investment, plus a commitment to ensuring communities are empowered in the transition.    
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7583" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1.jpg" alt="Adult and child walking around Thrive's Caton Moor wind farm at community open day" width="1800" height="1198" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1.jpg 1800w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Chris-Watt-Photography_427-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px" />

Plan to put net zero back on track 

On 5th December the UK’s wind farms generated over 23,000MW of electricity – enough to power more than 23 million homes. National Energy System Operator reported that on that day at 5.30pm wind power was generating over 47% of Britain’s electricity – breaking the maximum generation record of 22,000MW set less than a month previously. With clean energy now producing around 60% of the UK’s electricity mix, we’re looking forward to seeing renewables reach new highs in 2026.    
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2012" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Avonmouth-wind-farm-in-Bristol-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />

UK wind power reached all time high

[1] Based on generation figure of 9.91 TWh 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 3,301kWh per annum (1,650kWh for a half year period). 9.91TWh could therefore power 6,004,241 homes for a half year. Scotland’s population is 5,490,100 <a class="Hyperlink SCXW43503284 BCX8" href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates</a>

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With 2026 just around the corner, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a record-breaking year for renewables.  

Powering change: 2025 renewables wins

However, the voices of people across the world calling for more urgent action on the climate crisis could not be ignored. More than 80 governments, backed by businesses worldwide called for a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. Whilst this was omitted from the final text, the COP presidency did make a commitment to developing a roadmap outside of formal negotiations. In April, Columbia and the Netherlands will host the first international conference focussed on phasing out fossil fuels. This shows that despite the imperfect outcome, there is growing momentum to push fossil fuels out of existence, led by collective action. COP30 showed the world that people power is still the driver behind climate action. Here are a few more positives to take away from the conference: 
People power is rising 
After three COPs held in countries with little tolerance for demonstrations, for the first time in years, people could rally for climate action – and rally they did. Activists filled the streets of Belém throughout the two-week conference, urging negotiators to ramp up ambition on climate action. At the halfway point of contentious negotiations, the “Great People’s March” saw around 70,000 indigenous protestors and environmental activists march through Belém in the first major protest to be held outside annual climate talks since COP26 in Glasgow four years ago. The march followed two protests earlier that week led by indigenous activists from the Tapajós region. One of the most striking sections of the “people’s march” was a “funeral for fossil fuels”. A dozen “mourners” dressed in black rallied below two large ghoul puppets and three coffins for “coal”, “oil” and “gas”.  
Formal framework for a “Just Transition”  
One achievement from COP30 was the creation of a “Just Transition Mechanism” known as the “Belém Action Mechanism” (BAM). Putting social justice at the heart of climate action, it plans to create a framework for countries to transition away from fossil fuels in way that prioritises the needs of workers and communities. It’s the first formal UN framework dedicated to ensuring that the global shift away from fossil fuels is fair, inclusive, and rights-based – and includes some of the most progressive rights-based language ever seen in a COP decision. This outcome is the result of the hard-fought struggles and collective power of civil society over the years.  
Together we’re making renewables surge  
Amongst all the noise, it’s easy to forget the progress that we are achieving together every day to push fossil fuels off the grid. Progress from COPs might be slow and imperfect, but it is progress nonetheless – and on a global scale. Since the Paris Agreement was signed 10 years ago at COP21, <a href="https://eciu.net/analysis/reports/2025/10-years-post-paris">renewables have overtaken coal as the largest source of electricity globally</a> – with solar and wind accounting for than 90% of new global electricity capacity additions. Two years ago at COP28 in Dubai, nearly 200 countries agreed to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, with solar expected to play a crucial role. Since then, solar has become the fastest growing energy source globally, <a href="https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/q3-global-power-report-no-fossil-fuel-growth-expected-in-2025/">growing by 31% in the first three quarters of 2025</a>. So, as we keep working together at a ground level to accelerate renewables, it’s so important that we keep them in global discussion too – and for all its faults, COP plays a huge role in that.

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Thrive renewables open day in Avonmouth. September 2022.

Here’s how collective action is giving us hope, despite an imperfect outcome at the UNFCCC’s 30th annual climate conference. 

How people power became the silver lining at a disappointing COP30

Since certifying as a B Corp in 2020, we’ve spent the past five years working with communities, businesses and individuals to increase our positive impact on people and planet. And after recertifying in 2024, we are now proud to sit in the top 3% of all UK B Corps for our commitment to social and environmental justice. Below are 10 key highlights from our B Corp journey so far:

Thrive’s corporate structure is ‘mission locked’ meaning that we were founded specifically to deliver a positive outcome for people and planet – bringing people together to fund and deliver clean energy projects that tackle climate change.  As an ethical business, it was particularly important for us to undergo external assessment of our performance. We became a B Corp in 2020 with a score of 110.8, the highest scoring renewable energy company in the UK B Corp community at that time.  And for two years running in 2021 and 2022, we were proud to be awarded B Corp’s ‘Best for the World’ status, scoring in the top 5% of Global B Corps for our impact on the environment. 

'Best for the World'

In April 2024, we recertified as a B Corp with a twenty-point impact score increase to 131, smashing our original target of 120. Core areas of the business that we’ve focused on include environmental reporting and supply chain due diligence. We also reduced business emissions by nearly 20% in 2023 compared to the previous year, plus  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. 

Recertifying in top 3% of UK B Corps  

With the wind blowing and the sun shining, in 2022 we welcomed over 500 people to our Avonmouth wind farm in Bristol to see the turbines up close and learn more about renewables. As part of Thrive’s 30th birthday celebrations, in 2024 we hosted another open day at Caton Moor wind farm in Lancashire. Last year it was also great to invite the local nursery school to our Feeder Road battery project in Bristol, to explore the new nature area on site.  

Hosting open days for communities near our projects 

Through our annual Community Benefit Programme, we provide energy efficiency grants to community centres near our projects to make improvements such as insulation and heating upgrades. 2023 was a record year for the programme, as we were able to award over £37,000 to community buildings across the UK, helping them reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, whilst boosting comfort and warmth.   

Helping community centres cut carbon and costs

Community

We believe in putting people at the heart of the energy transition. In 2022 we helped fund England’s largest onshore wind turbine, which is also wholly owned by the local community. Recently, we launched Community Energy Catalyst - a £40 million funding partnership with Better Society Capital which offers flexible funding for community groups to build their own clean energy projects or take a stake in part of a larger project in their area.  

Helping local people take a stake in clean energy  

Through on-site renewables, we also empower businesses to take an active role in the clean energy transition – helping them cut carbon and costs. One of our direct wire projects – a 1.5MW wind turbine in Cambridgeshire – provides one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes with local clean power. As a result, Greenvale AP can better manage their operational costs and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. 

Supporting UK businesses to decarbonise 

Customers 

So far, Thrive has built and/or funded 45 clean energy projects – including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and battery storage. To date, the portfolio has generated over 2 million MWh of clean electricity and avoided the emission of over 1 million tonnes of CO2e. Now we’re pressing on with plans to double generation capacity in the next five years.  

Reducing UK emissions 

We do as much as we can to conserve and enhance biodiversity at our sites, going beyond legal requirements. For example, after commissioning Feeder Road battery project in Bristol in 2023, we introduced a range of biodiversity measures aimed at providing animals with more places to nest and shelter – including building a number of bird, bat and insect boxes, plus planting trees, species rich grassland, shade scrub and native ferns to strengthen local habitat corridors. 

Enhancing biodiversity at our clean energy projects  

Environment

We’re committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation to get into green careers by hosting educational visits for schools and university students. For example, in 2024 we hosted an insight day at our Avonmouth wind farm for Babbasa, a Bristol based social enterprise empowering young people from ethnically diverse and less advantaged communities to realise their professional aspirations.  

Championing green careers  

One of the best parts of being a B Corp is the opportunity to connect with other like-minded businesses. Every March, for ‘B Corp month’ we engage with local B Corps across the South West at events such as Purposefest, to celebrate and spread awareness of the movement. In 2025, we invited a few B Corps from Bristol and the surrounding areas to our Avonmouth wind farm to share how they’re using business to build a better tomorrow for people and planet.  

Collaborating with other purpose-driven businesses 

Workers

We invited local B Corps to our Avonmouth wind farm to share what they're doing in business to deliver positive social and environmental impact. 

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Celebrating B Corp Month 2025

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Bristol & Bath B Corps B

Here are some key moments from our B Corp journey so far.  

Take 10 – celebrating a decade of B Corp

As part of the project, Thrive has committed to a Community Benefit Fund providing £50,000 annually for local projects, with an advance payment of £100,000 at the start of turbine construction. £100,000 will also go towards improving recreational access at the former Mynydd Maerdy Colliery and £120,000 in community benefits linked to the turbine delivery route.   
We’re currently in advanced discussions with Community Energy Wales to explore opportunities for local people to take a stake in the wind farm.  
Abergorki Wind Farm is a development of three wind turbines on Mynydd Maerdy, above the Rhondda Valley, in Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The plans were originally brought forward by renewable energy developer, REG Power Management, and approved by the local council in 2015.  
Thrive acquired the rights to the site in 2024 and we’re planning to build the project over the next two years. Once operational it will be capable of producing up to 40 GWh of clean electricity per year, the equivalent of powering around 12,447 average Welsh homes.  
In the run up to construction, we’ve launched a new website (<a href="https://abergorkiwindfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AbergorkiWindFarm.co.uk</a>) which will keep the local community informed about the plans and progress. It will also be updated with details of an upcoming community event for people to ask any questions, with an opportunity to sign up for email updates throughout the construction phase.

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Once operational, the wind farm will generate enough clean electricity to power over 12,000 Welsh homes a year.

Construction of Abergorki wind farm to start next year

<h2>“Renewables are costly and intermittent. They’ll never be able to meet the UK’s energy demands.”</h2>
In 2024, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/02/uk-electricity-cleanest-ever-in-2024-with-record-58-from-low-carbon-sources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over half of the UK’s electricity was generated from renewables</a>. We also have access to some of the world’s best wind resource, so it’s no surprise that wind was the top source of electricity generation. What happens when sun or wind is lacking? The development of technologies such as battery storage help to stabilise the peaks and troughs in consumer demand, supporting a consistent supply. This combined with hydro, tidal and geothermal has the potential to provide 24/7 baseload power – and that can be used to keep essential things like lights and appliances running. We’re also seeing a shift towards a smarter grid, with some energy suppliers now offering consumer incentives to encourage a shift in usage patterns that help balance out supply and demand.
It’s important to remember that all energy sources could be called ‘unreliable’. Access to fossil fuels is dependent on a wide variety of geopolitical, economic and social factors – issues that are often out of our control. Just look at the events following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK experienced huge spikes in the cost of energy due to our overreliance on imported oil and gas, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/mar/28/uk-bill-payers-still-vulnerable-to-another-energy-crisis-watchdog-warns#:~:text=The%20conflict%20caused%20household%20energy,2021%2C%20according%20to%20the%20PAC." target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushing an estimated 238,000 households into fuel poverty and causing energy debts to rocket to £3.7 billion last year from £1.8 billion in 2021</a>. As well as generating clean electricity, homegrown renewables are key to greater energy security and independence.
<h2>“Wind turbines aren’t green – the construction emits tonnes of carbon emissions and then they just end up in landfill.”</h2>
Wind turbines pay back all of the carbon produced during their 25 to 30-year lifetime, and they do so <a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6798bfee7da7f37163ec22fb/67adbec26912a8c8ba9afe10_Onshore%20Renewable%20Energy%20Common%20Myths.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">within about seven months of operation</a>. Currently, 85 to 90 per cent of wind turbine materials are also recyclable, and we see this improving further as technology continues to evolve. There are some great examples of turbine repurposing. For example, we repurposed the 22-year-old blades on our Sigurd wind turbine in Orkney, working with a local company, ReBlade, to turn them into EV charging stations and bike shelters, amongst other things.
<h2>“Wind and solar farms are destroying our landscape and its natural biodiversity.”</h2>
Although some people may not like how wind or solar farms look, climate change poses one of the largest long-term threats to nature. It’s vital that we stop burning fossil fuels and replace them with renewable energy sources that will help keep the planet liveable for the generations to come.
Research shows that clean energy projects can actually enhance site biodiversity over their lifetime. In fact, a well-managed solar farm can become a haven for wildlife – providing a unique opportunity to introduce diverse plant life that supports nature and attracts vital pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/solar-farms-managed-for-nature-boost-bird-numbers-and-biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scientists from the RSPB and University of Cambridge</a> have also found that, in some areas, UK solar farms are also helping boost bird numbers by nearly three times compared to arable farmland. And let’s not forget that agricultural livestock, like sheep, can graze alongside solar panels, meaning farmers can also benefit from projects hosted on their land.
What you might not know is that the owners of wind and solar farms are legally required to deliver at least a 10% increase in on-site biodiversity, with many (like Thrive) aiming to go beyond this target to further enhance local wildlife. For example, at our Feeder Road battery storage site, we’ve introduced more places for animals to nest and shelter by installing bird, bat and invertebrate boxes. Plus, planted trees, hedgerows and species rich grassland to strengthen local habitat corridors.

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MEANMOOR

Tired of deceiving headlines? Worried about misinformation spreading on social media? Here’s how you can set the record straight on renewables.  

Fact vs fiction: How to debunk common wind and solar power myths

Government research suggests that 13,700 people who were out of work in 2024 possess many of the skills required for key roles in the clean energy sector, such as engineering and skilled trades like building and construction. This could have a significant impact on communities across the UK, especially those that have been directly impacted by the decline in fossil fuel generation.
“Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call […] Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy, a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.” – Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary
As a business operating within the renewable energy space, we are aware of the huge increase in skills needed to deliver the clean energy system of the future and wholeheartedly agree that the focus needs to be on both the current and future workforce. In fact, <a href="https://www.greencareershub.com/green-future/green-skills/">a 2024 survey by LinkedIn</a> found that “by 2050, there will be twice as many jobs requiring green skills as people qualified to fill them if today’s trends continue.”
At Thrive, as well as advocating for the transfer of skills from the oil and gas sector, we actively encourage students to consider the benefits of choosing a green career. In the past, this has included engagement days with social enterprises like Babassa, which helps young adults to realise their employment, enterprise and academic ambitions, irrespective of where they live, their nationality, ethnicity, gender, race, sexuality or faith. We also offer a summer internship to university undergraduates looking to understand more about the clean energy sector, supporting their exploration in areas such as IT, finance and investment.
With progress being made towards a more supportive policy framework, we sat down with several Thrive team members to find out what they love about working in sustainability and how we, as an industry, can support more workers to find their place within the evolving green economy.
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2406 size-medium" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thrive-Open-Day-2022-69-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Who are you and what’s your role at Thrive?
Monika Paplaczyk, Chief Investment Officer – I lead the investment team in the originating, development, acquisition and construction of Thrive’s projects, as well as manage the commercial aspects of the portfolio.
What made you choose renewable energy? 
After finishing my Masters degree (focused on sustainability), I joined a boutique consultancy in Edinburgh, Euro Access, specialising in accessing grant funding for infrastructure projects. I attended All-Energy in 2006 (which has since become one of the UK’s biggest renewable trade shows) and realised that joining the energy industry would be an excellent opportunity to apply my business and practical skills, as well as my interest in impact. The development of renewable projects like wind and solar also help to address inequalities in disadvantaged and rural communities, improving the economic outlook through the creation of new jobs.
What needs to be done to support more people in entering a green career?
I am particularly passionate about supporting more women to enter STEM subjects and jobs. For me, this starts with creating and encouraging more girls to join STEM programmes from a young age, as well as having better representation of successful women in STEM fields in the media. There was a great episode of the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f0k1fs">Big Green Money Show</a> where it followed a young woman who left behind a six-year career in hairdressing for a new life working on an offshore wind project. As an industry, there’s more we should be doing to ensure the next generation see examples that they can relate and aspire to – it can be as easy as using social media to champion female colleagues, engaging with a mentoring scheme or challenging gender biases in hiring and leadership.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-8939 alignleft" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-300x202.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="202" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-300x202.jpg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-768x517.jpg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/43-scaled-e1752835474669-2048x1379.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Who are you and what’s your role at Thrive? 
David Matheson, Senior Sustainability Analyst – I lead on measuring, monitoring, and enhancing Thrive’s environmental and social impact, overseeing our net zero and biodiversity strategies, and manage Thrive’s B Corp commitment.
What made you choose renewable energy?
I am driven by a desire to address real-world sustainability challenges. With a background in Conservation Biology and Ecology, I began my career in ecological consultancy before joining Thrive to focus on sustainability in a renewables context. Transitioning into the renewables sector broadened my expertise whilst allowing me to continue applying my ecological knowledge, particularly when working on the biodiversity strategies for our project sites. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of a sector that not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, but also provides opportunities to engage communities and contribute towards nature recovery too.
What needs to be done to support more people in entering a green career?
When I was choosing my A Levels, I was fortunate to be able to take Environmental Science as a subject. I really loved how it connected science with real world sustainability challenges, and it inspired me to pursue a career that would play a role in addressing these global issues. It deepened my understanding of the pressures facing the natural world and was quite a pivotal moment in my career journey. I believe educating people on these issues in an applied, problem-solving context like this can inspire them to get started on their path towards a green career. But by itself it isn’t enough – to really give people the chance to align their careers with the green transition, we need to offer them better career guidance, mentorship and hands on experience. This includes young people but importantly, it also needs to consider those who are looking to switch from existing careers into green jobs as the energy transition progresses.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9304" src="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms-admin.thriverenewables.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Who are you and what’s your role at Thrive?
Alex Lomax, Communications Manager – I am responsible for driving awareness of who Thrive is and what we do, ensuring that all activity aligns with our brand and mission of empowering people to come together and take action against the climate emergency.
What made you choose renewable energy?
I had been working in PR and communications for several years and had got to a point where I wanted the stories that I was telling to reflect more of my own values. I’d been working on a global clean energy podcast in a previous role and really enjoyed it. From then, I knew that I wanted to use my skills to help accelerate the transition here in the UK.
What needs to be done to support more people in entering a green career?
We need to be clarifying what “green skills” means before people start entering the job market. Working in renewable energy, for example, doesn’t have to mean being a turbine engineer or solar panel installer. You might be an excellent collaborator, able to communicate well, or think critically – all these skills are needed and can be applied to a wide variety of roles, from project manager through to web developer. I think it’s important that career guidance supports students to be aware of and understand the breadth of roles that are available to them under the ‘green jobs’ umbrella – something I didn’t have when leaving college or university.
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The Government has announced a national plan to train people for an extra 400,000 green jobs in the next five years. 

Clean Energy Jobs Plan – the future of the workforce is green

An on-site mixing plant was used to reduce vehicle use in the local area and boost efficiency. Construction materials for the civil works have also been sourced locally. The works are being headed up by Scottish based construction company I &amp; H Brown.

Whitelaw Brae is on track to start generating clean electricity by 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating enough clean electricity for around 45,000 homes a year.

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Construction of our 57MW onshore wind farm has reached a new milestone.  

Foundations for a greener future: bases laid for Whitelaw Brae - our biggest project yet

Last week the Climate Change Committee warned that we must prepare for a world hotter than 2°C by 2050. But we’re already seeing an increase in extreme weather events. The physical impacts of climate change cost the global economy at least <a href="https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4520285/study-annual-climate-losses-rise-fold-century-usd14tr-last">$1.4 trillion last year</a> and have risen 10-fold since the turn of the century.  
Without new renewables in the UK, we’ll continue to import billions of pounds worth of gas to meet the rising demand for electricity, priced on volatile international markets, leaving billpayers exposed to unnecessarily high prices. In 2022, we saw the single biggest energy subsidy in the UK’s history when the Government spent <a href="https://obr.uk/box/the-cost-of-the-governments-energy-support-policies/">over £40 billion subsidising the cost of gas</a> to shield consumers from skyrocketing bills.  
And let’s not forget that gas resources are finite. According to RenewableUK, if the UK were to meet its rapidly increasing electricity demand in the coming decade without new renewables, it would need to more than double its gas imports. There is no credible way the UK could source this gas through additional North Sea extraction. Even if every potential North Sea discovery was brought into production, it is estimated that this <a href="https://www.renewableuk.com/news-and-resources/blog/can-north-sea-oil-and-gas-really-power-britain-s-future/">would only be sufficient to meet between 5% and 10% of the country’s electricity demand</a> by the early 2030s.  
In contrast, renewables provide a homegrown, low cost means to meet rising demand. Wind and solar offer a stable price of electricity, unlike gas, which changes based on the international market. But because of the UK’s current market pricing system, gas sets electricity prices in the UK so billpayers don’t benefit. Research suggests that reducing emissions by 87% by 2040 <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/ccc-reducing-emissions-87-by-2040-would-help-cut-household-costs-by-1400/">could help cut household costs by £1,400</a>. And wind and solar are already supplying a large chunk of our electricity demand. Last year renewables provided more than half of the UK’s electricity needs, with wind generating around 30% of total demand.  
Not to mention the huge economic opportunity we’d be missing out on by dampening net zero ambitions – the UK’s wind industry alone <a href="https://www.renewableuk.com/news-and-resources/publications/wind-industry-skills-intelligence-report-2025/">employs around 55,000 people</a> in high value jobs, a figure that is expected to rise to over 110,000 by 2030. And just this week the government announced plans to create an extra 400,000 clean energy jobs by the end of the decade. It’s also estimated that over the past ten years <a href="https://www.renewableuk.com/news-and-resources/press-releases/uk-wind-industry-celebrates-decade-of-growth-with-nearly-2-000-companies-now-in-the-sector-s-supply-chain/">more than £550 million</a> has already been locally invested through Community Benefit Funds (payments made by developers of renewable energy infrastructure to the local community). This figure is expected to rise to £150 million annually if Government ambitions to 2030 are met.  
Tackling climate change comes with costs, but what we can see here is that the price of inaction is likely to prove far greater. The cost of adapting to rising sea levels and other climate impacts, plus the disruption of dealing with man-made ‘natural disasters’, will dwarf the opportunity to implement net zero. So, amongst the noise let’s not lose sight of the huge opportunity we have to build a cleaner, more prosperous future for people and planet.

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 Amongst growing controversy about the cost of net zero, we examine the even greater cost of climate inaction.  

Scrap net zero? Here’s what it will cost

It feels really special to be recognised by such a credible source of information globally for our integrity, diligence and innovative approach to delivering environmental and social impact &#8211; and against some really tough competition! This year there were over 800 applicants from across 40 countries. As well as smaller sized businesses like us, it was great to see so many large corporations nominated – showing that despite some of the anti-ESG rhetoric and high profile greenwashing cases we’ve seen of late, there are still many large corporations working hard to deliver positive change for people and the environment.

Watch below to hear Thrive’s feedback from one of the judges.

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