An update on Ecotricity’s green projects and sustainable events
Press enquiries
If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact our Press Office by email at pressoffice@ecotricity.co.uk
For all other general enquiries, please call 0345 555 7100 or email home@ecotricity.co.uk.
At Ecotricity, we’re not your average energy supplier. We don’t just keep your lights on – we’re on a mission to build a greener Britain. Instead of paying dividends to shareholders, we reinvest profits into creating new sources of renewable energy. It’s a simple but powerful idea that we like to call ‘Bills into Mills’. We turn your energy bills into more windmills, sunmills, green gasmills and even battery storage solutions.
So, here’s a closer look at what we’ve been up to since our last update and how we’re shaping the future of green energy and the live entertainment industry.
Power from the sun
This past year, we’ve made huge strides in expanding our solar power portfolio, securing consent for several ground-breaking sites:
Heckington Fen, Lincolnshire – This site is set to become one of the largest solar parks in the UK, generating enough electricity to power nearly 200,000 homes. You can read more about it here.
Woodlands, Stroud District – A major project near the Severn Estuary, close to the Berkeley nuclear site which is now being decommissioned.
Fen Farm, Lincolnshire – This will be an expansion of our existing wind and solar park, adding solar capacity for approximately 6,200 homes.
Martin Hussingtree, Worcestershire – A smaller site connecting directly to the local 11kV line for efficient distribution. 11kV lines are used in residential areas and they distribute power to the buildings that are within that particular area.
Cooles, Minety – A compact solar project alongside the railway line, approved by Wiltshire Council in December Green gas from grassGreen gas from grass2024.
Stonelands, Oxfordshire – Located next to a quarry, this site will produce enough energy to power approximately 2,000 homes.
All of these projects will use bifacial solar panels, which capture energy from both direct sunlight and reflected light, making them more efficient and sustainable.
Green gas from grass
In 2023, we built our first green gasmill near Reading which was a major leap towards fossil-free gas. Using anaerobic digestion, the gasmill will turn grass, herbal leys and other grown products into renewable biomethane that feeds directly into the national gas grid, creating a closed-loop system.
Firstly, the grass is cut and stored, then it is broken down in a digester releasing methane-rich gas. The gas is cleaned and fed into the domestic network and the leftover material is reused as a natural fertiliser.
We’re developing a portfolio of green gasmills to bring this innovation to even more homes.
Storing green energy
Our grid-scale battery project at Alveston is now complete, helping us to store excess renewable energy and release it back during peak demand.
We’ve also just secured planning consent for Butts Field in Test Valley, which will be a large-scale battery storage project designed to support grid stability while enhancing local habitats.
Just a small proportion of a solar park or battery site is permanently built on – the rest can be given over to meadows under the solar panels or around the batteries and hedgerows around the perimeter.
Our sites give us an opportunity to both combat climate change and boost biodiversity in local areas, restoring wildflower meadows to help pollinators, insects, birds and mammals thrive.
Click here to find out a little more about why we need battery storage and how it works!
Powering live events
Live events are some of the most energy-intensive gatherings on the planet. However, at Ecotricity, we are proving they can be loud, vibrant and most importantly, sustainable.
In the summer of 2024, we powered Massive Attack’s landmark Bristol gig. This was the first large-scale show to adopt the ACT 1.5 blueprint for sustainable events. The results were game-changing:
100% battery-powered main stage – No diesel involved and 98% fewer emissions.
Greener travel – None of the artists who were performing took flights, there were extra trains put on for festival goers and an electric shuttle bus system was put on to cut transport emissions by 72%.
Vegan catering – A fully vegan menu at the event also slashed emissions from food by 89%.
Since then, Grid Faeries x Ecotricity batteries have been powering major festivals around the UK:
LIDO Festival, London – In a first for outdoor music in the capital, Grid Faeries x Ecotricity powered the main stage and parts of the site with renewable electricity. Massive Attack’s headline show saw the entire event site operate for more than 32 hours on battery power alone, just green energy and no generator noise or pollution to ruin the vibe.
Glastonbury Festival – For two years running now we have supplied green energy to the iconic Arcadia Dragonfly stage at Glastonbury.
All Points East – Our 3MWh battery powered the West Stage, supported by on-site solar panels and micro-windmills.
Looking ahead
From green gasmills and solar parks to sustainable festivals, we’re proving that a low-carbon future isn’t just possible, it’s already happening!
Thanks to the support of our customers, we’re turning bills into mills, reshaping Britain’s energy landscape and showing the world that real change starts today.
This is just the beginning.
Ready to start turning your bills into mills?
Switch to Ecotricity and we’ll use your bill money to build new sources of renewable energy and build a greener Britain.
Similar articles
An update on Ecotricity’s green projects and sustainable events
At Ecotricity, we’re not your average energy supplier. We don’t just keep your lights on – we’re on a mission to build a greener Britain.
More
How to compare energy prices – without compromising the planet
Compare energy prices wisely – the cheapest tariffs often come with hidden environmental costs. Discover why switching to Ecotricity is better for you and the planet.
More
August's positive climate news
Climate news can often seem heavy and discouraging. While it’s vital to understand the challenges our planet faces, it’s just as important to celebrate the steps forward.
More