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Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

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Investors back renewable energy in bid to solve energy and climate crisis

New research reveals that UK retail investors are deeply concerned about the climate and energy crisis and want to take matters into their own hands by investing in renewables to find long-term, sustainable solutions.

Blog

 - 26 September 2022

New research reveals that UK retail investors are deeply concerned about the climate and energy crisis and want to take matters into their own hands by investing in renewables to find long-term, sustainable solutions.  

The polling, undertaken by Opinium Research, surveyed 1,000 UK retail investors alongside 2,000 people from the general population. The research showed that seven in 10 investors (69%) believe the UK should increase its investments in renewable energy.  

Specifically, the findings reveal 65% of retail investors support more solar energy projects in the UK, rising to 78% of seasoned investors that have been investing for 10 years or more. Meanwhile, 62% support more onshore wind projects (rising to 72% of experienced investors).  

Future-thinking investors funding renewables themselves  

8 in 10 investors (81%) say they are concerned about the long-term implications of the energy crisis, with many wanting to use their investing power to help bring down energy costs for all.  

Over half of investors (56%) say they feel a responsibility to use their investments to help the UK achieve its net-zero carbon goals. Prompted by this desire for positive change in the energy sector, nearly six in 10 investors (57%) have recently increased, or plan to increase their investments in renewables. Support of investing in renewable energy is shared by the UK population, with two-thirds (66%) wanting investment in renewables to increase.  

“In the midst of climate breakdown and an energy crisis, it has never been more important for the UK to invest in the renewable electricity generation needed to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver on this country’s net-zero carbon goals,” explains Matthew Clayton, Managing Director of renewable energy investment company, Thrive Renewables. “It’s clear that investors and the UK public support this and are taking matters into their own hands to invest in positive, long-term solutions such as solar and wind energy.”  

Renewables crowdfunding campaign reaches £5.6 million  

The research was commissioned by Thrive Renewables, a renewable energy investment company that has been building and operating renewable energy projects in the UK for nearly 30 years. Thrive believes in a clean, smart energy system which is powered by the investment of many and has a mission to power the transition to a sustainable energy future by helping people to connect with clean energy projects.  

Thrive’s portfolio currently comprises of 23 operational renewable projects, plus further renewable energy and storage projects in development. In 2021 its portfolio of wind, solar, hydro and other clean energy projects generated over 110,000MWh of electricity.  

Thrive Renewables has raised over £5.6 million so far in its current crowdfunding offer, in order to build new renewable energy generation and storage across the UK. The campaign aims to raise £7 million. The share offer is promoted by Triodos Bank UK, with a minimum investment of £94 (40 shares). Thrive is targeting 5-8% return per year through a combination of dividends and increasing share value however, as with all investments, returns are not guaranteed, and investors may not get back all, or any, of their original investment.

“UK investors want to use their money to support positive environmental change, and channel their concern for the energy crisis into long-term solutions that aim to reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels,” says Whitni Thomas, Head of Corporate Finance at Triodos Bank UK. “Through crowdfunding campaigns such as the Thrive share offer, we can enable even more people to access impact investment opportunities.”
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Triodos Bank UK Ltd. Registered Office: Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AS. Registered in England and Wales No. 11379025. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 817008.