Ireland’s leading solar firm Activ8 Energies powers up for UK expansion with Low Carbon Energy deal

Burnley-based solar firm Low Carbon Energy (LCE) has been bought by Ireland’s leading solar panel provider Activ8 Energies for an undisclosed sum.

The move for the Low Carbon Energy comes as Activ8 eyes more UK commercial infrastructure projects following recent work on a £3m solar farm at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool. The new installation, which goes live next month, will provide 25 per cent of the airport’s electricity.

Founded in 2009 by Ged and Maura Ennis, Low Carbon Energy, has built a strong reputation within the solar sector and worked across more than 300 sites nationwide, delivering more than 60MW of installed solar capacity.

The company’s client portfolio includes BMW, Porsche, Co-op, Boeing, Drax Power, Tata Steel, Wickes, United Utilities, and the NHS.

As part of the deal, Activ8 has acquired 100 per cent of Low Carbon Energy’s shareholding.

Benedict Ennis will continue to lead the business as managing director, while founder Ged Ennis and Maura will be stepping away from the business.

Ged will remain as a non-executive director for the next 12 months, providing strategic guidance as the business enters its next phase of growth while Maura will also be stepping away.

Benedict said: "This partnership is an exciting step forward for everyone at LCE.

"Activ8’s track record and market leadership will allow us to build on our foundations, expand our team, and deliver more projects at greater scale, nationwide. Our clients will benefit from our enhanced capacity and a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer focus.”

Low Carbon Energy will continue operating under its existing brand in the near term, ensuring continuity for its existing customers while benefiting from Activ8’s resources and scale. Both teams are focused on an ambitious pipeline of projects across key industrial and commercial sectors.

Activ8, which is 50 per cent owned by SSE Airtricity, an Irish subsidiary of SSE, is planning to double turnover and installed solar capacity over the next few years as it sets its sights on expanding beyond Ireland and becoming the biggest commercial and industrial renewable energy provider in the UK.

Ciaran Marron, chief executive of Activ8 Solar Energies, said: “This acquisition marks a transformative moment for Activ8 as we accelerate our UK growth ambitions.

“By combining the strengths of Activ8 and Low Carbon Energy, we’re better equipped than ever to deliver innovative, large-scale energy solutions for clients seeking sustainable energy security.

“Low Carbon Energy’s impressive track record, technical capability, and prestigious client base complement our vision perfectly, added Marron. “Together, we’re poised to scale nationwide and play a central role in supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Jon Kirby, head of development at SSE, said: “At SSE, we’re committed to helping businesses on their decarbonisation journey and achieve long-term energy security. This partnership between Activ8 Solar Energies and Low Carbon Energy represents an exciting milestone, bringing together expertise and years of delivery experience in renewable projects.”

The UKs solar sector is going from strength-to-strength thanks in part to the popularity of power purchase agreements. The funding model, which allows companies to install solar at no cost, has become an important lever in rolling out solar generation in commercial and industrial sites nationwide, helping the UK to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Ged Ennis was a speaker at Lancashire Business View's Net Zero Carbon Conference in June.