PROGRESS REPORT 2008
2
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
Contents
page
Highlights from 2008
4
Bills into Mills
6
The Ecotricity Photo Album
8
We spent more per customer. Again
10
The mix keeps getting better
13
We’re in this together
14
A few words from some of our friends
16
Cars of the future
18
Welcome to our latest Progress Report
2008 was a turbulent year - that’s for sure - with its mixture of crazy
energy prices, financial collapses and a global recession.
But through all of this we’ve made great progress in our work to
change the way electricity is made.
We brought three new wind parks online, almost doubling our fleet of green
generators and in the process we spent a record amount per customer (again).
The percentage of green electricity in our fuel mix now stands at over 50% and all from self built wind parks. From electricity bills that we turned into
windmills.
And we've been granted planning permission for almost 20,000 houses-worth of
new green electricity projects (which we’ll build next).
On other fronts we’ve been attempting to break the world speed records for
wind power – in an attempt to focus attention on the issue of transport, and
how we’ll all get around in the future. And we’ve almost completed our ‘second
generation’ wind powered car – the one you could drive to the shops in.
All in all, it’s been a very busy year.
We can only do these things because we have your support, because you
choose us to supply your electricity.
From all of us at Ecotricity, thank you very much.
Turning electricity bills into windmills
3
"We need electricity
companies dedicated to
changing the way electricity
is made and used - not
companies dedicated to
profit, producing a bit of
green energy on the side
because they are forced to
by legislation.
And the most powerful way
to make these companies
change their spots? People
voting with their electricity
bills and choosing the
genuinely green option."
This is the mark 1
version of the small
windmill we’re
developing – the Urbine.
Dale Vince OBE
Ecotricity Founder & Managing Director
4
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
Highlights from 2008
Onwards and upwards
The number of homes and
businesses that Ecotricity
supplies grew steadily in 2008
to almost 40,000.
Customers
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
Years
‘07
‘08
It’s been a big year for windmill building, 12 years
after we built our first, we built our fiftieth - at the
beautiful Shooters Bottom Wind Park in
Somerset. That single 2MW machine brought us
up to a capacity of 50MW across 14 wind parks.
And in case anyone tries to tell you we're a small
influence on things...We've actually built one in
eleven of all the windmills in England.
We topped the WhichGreen league table of
electricity suppliers for spending per customer on
renewables, again. For the fifth consecutive year
in fact. And we weren't just top...we spent more
than the rest of them put together – over £400 on
behalf of each and every one of our customers.
It’s been a big year for planning new wind parks
too. We gained a record number of consents
giving us another 22MW to build as soon as we
can - and we submitted another 53MW into the
system. That's a 50% increase to our wind fleet
consented and under construction and a further
100% in the pipeline.
And it’s been a big year behind the scenes too.
We’ve worked hard over the last twelve months
to improve our service and the way we do things.
We installed major new IT systems – from SAP –
to bring radical efficiencies to our work and
improve massively the service we can offer. And
six months after we turned them on, we're
beginning to feel real benefits, we know our
customers are too. There's much more to come,
we’re gearing up now to push the boundaries of
customer service even further with the
introduction of 'tree-free' accounts and smart
metering in 2009. We'll tell you more about
that later.
5
Ecotricity in the news
And finally - BASE jumping
‘Energy’ has certainly been making the headlines
in 2008 – whether it’s price rises, fuel poverty,
energy security, renewables or nuclear power...
the issue of energy and where we get it from has
never been so hotly debated.
Damming fuel poverty - the proposed Severn barrage
Life after oil
Dale launched zerocarbonista.com in 2008. It’s
his personal blog dedicated to the big questions
– where will our energy come from, what will we
drive, and how will we feed ourselves in a world
‘post oil’? Energy, transport and food are the
three big issues.
The blog has quickly attracted a big audience
as we’re using it to advance big ideas, such as
ending fuel poverty using the Severn barrage. It’s
all about practical solutions to the problems we,
and future generations, will face. Visit soon and
join the debate!
We, in turn, have received a record amount of
media attention. Dale has been quoted on issues
as diverse as the budget, the Severn barrage,
renewable energy targets, green tariffs and the
planning process, in high profile media such as
the BBC, Guardian, Times and Sunday Times.
We’ve also had our
fair share of quirky
coverage making the
front page of The
Sun in early 2009
when it was
suggested our
turbine at Fen Farm,
Lincolnshire, may
have been hit by a
UFO...
Yes - he really did jump off our turbine!
Once a secretive and pretty risky activity, BASE
jumping has evolved into a high tech, cutting
edge sport. So we were chuffed to host the first
ever legal jump - the British Open - at Ecotech
last September. The public viewing platform of our
wind turbine proving to be an ideal launch pad...
In the all important interests of safety, only
competitors who had completed 100 BASE
jumps were allowed to enter - gliding to earth in
short trips of around 10 seconds! Winner on the
day was Christopher 'Dougs' McDougal, a
leading Australian BASE jumper.
6
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
‘Bills into Mills’
What we do is unique – we take the money that our customers
spend with us on their electricity bills and spend it building new
forms of clean power – in other words turning electricity bills into
windmills. We built our first wind turbine in 1996 and are proud to
say we built our 50th turbine this year – that’s 8% of England’s
wind energy.
More on the way
MW
Late in 2008 we had a rush of planning
consents, winning an unprecedented 3 in a row
without appeals. These consents have come too
late in the day to build in 2009 but will represent
a massive 50% increase in our generation
capacity when they come on stream in 2010.
60
We attribute our planning success in large part to
our Good Neighbour policy through which we
only commit to build turbines where we can be
sure they will be good neighbours throughout
their lifetime. If we can’t be sure, we walk away.
Before the year is out we’re expecting to submit
planning applications for a whopping 250MW
more, or nearly enough for 180,000 homes that’s a city the size of Bristol! Wow!
Somerset’s first wind turbine
at Shooters Bottom which we
opened in 2008.
50
40
30
20
10
0
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
‘08
Seven fold growth of our wind fleet in 6 years
7
Our Wind Parks
Whether in planning, being built or already turning, there are Ecotricity
wind parks across the country. For more information visit our website www.ecotricity.co.uk and use our interactive wind park map.
Operational
Building
In Planning
Three new wind parks in 2008…
Fen Farm
Fen Farm in Lincolnshire opened in April after
6 years of planning applications and appeals.
This is now our biggest wind park producing
enough electricity to power 13,000 homes.
B&Q
B&Q’s wind turbine at their Nottingham
Distribution Centre has just come online – the
turbine will power almost all of B&Q’s needs on
site. This is B&Q’s first serious turbine and is also
the first in Nottinghamshire.
Shooters Bottom
In June our wind turbine at Shooters Bottom
in Somerset whirled into action. The very first
windmill in Somerset - but not the last if we
can help it.
8
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
The Ecotricity Photo Album
Some interesting snap shots from 2008.
tions of B&Q
Building the founda
Lynch
Autumn Knoll, our first
sunshine
w
- we ju indmill, in the
st like
the pict
ure!
bine
s off tur
per leap
m
ju
E
BAS
Intrepid
middle
in the
arrives
e
ad
bl
&Q
First
ht at B
the nig
of
Sea Shepherd
visit Stroud
m
A glimpse of our tea
9
Early
wered
wind po
of the
up
k
oc
m
Gree
nbird
on th
e ice
in Mo
ntana
car
e
Our Ecotech centr
House of Lord
s came to Brist
ol
Treehug
g
to talk er meets hoo
diehugg
wind!
er
ep our
- the guys that ke
Our service team (or, as The Sun called
ning
run
wind parks
en men’)
them, our ‘little gre
10
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
We spent more per customer. Again
Because we run on a not-forprofit model and have no
shareholders or investors to
keep happy, we're free to
dedicate all our money to our
mission - changing the way
electricity is made in the UK.
We believe that if we’re going to win the battle
against climate change, we must invest in new
sources of green electricity. It's not something
we have an option about - it's something we
have to do.
One thing you can count on - we’re going to
keep on turning the money you spend on
electricity bills into windmills.
Top of the league again in 2008
Topping the charts over five years
Last year, Ecotricity spent more per customer
building new sources of green electricity than
any other power company, again.
Over the last 5 years we invested an average
of £450 per customer per year in new sources
of green electricity. Our closest rival spent less
than £30 per customer over the same period.
The £s/ CUSTOMER is based on each supplier's total
expenditure on building new renewable energy capacity divided
by the average number of customers. Data was sourced from
suppliers and/or OFGEM, BWEA, DTI.
WhichGreen League Table 2008
£/Customer
www.whichgreen.org
WhichGreen Five Year Average
Rank Supplier
£/Customer
Rank
Supplier
1
Ecotricity
£401.49
1
Ecotricity
2
ScottishPower
£102.66
2
ScottishPower
£27.65
3
Centrica
£38.00
3
Centrica
£13.28
4
Scottish & Southern
£16.31
4
Scottish & Southern
£9.60
5
EDF Energy
£10.69
5
npower
£6.75
£4.38
6
E.On
£5.37
£4.14
£450.14
6
npower
7=
E.On
£0
7
EDF Energy
7=
Green Energy UK
£0
8=
Green Energy UK
£0
7=
Good Energy
£0
8=
Good Energy
£0
A recent advertisement of ours which we thought you might like to see
11
12
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
Compared with coal
generation, Ecotricity
wind turbines saved
an estimated 100,000
tonnes of carbon
emissions in 2008.
That's about 2.8
tonnes per customer.
13
The mix keeps getting better
In just 4 years we’ve increased the proportion of wind generated electricity in our
mix from 20% to over 50% - this is almost 10 times the national average for UK
electricity suppliers and it’s all been done with wind turbines we’ve built.
The proof of our progress is demonstrated by
our Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD) - something that
all power companies must provide every year.
As you will see from the table, this year we have
reached more than 50% renewable energy - a
massive achievement but it’s not stopping there our intention is to go beyond 100%...
UK energy suppliers have a legal target of
increasing renewables by just 1% a year, which
none of them achieve - excepting Ecotricity - our
increase this year will be 16%!
This is why we say ‘the greatest difference you
can make with your electricity bill is to be with
Ecotricity’.
Fuel Supply
National
Average
Our Fuel Mix
Apr 05 - Mar 06
Apr 06 - Mar 07
Apr 07 - Mar 08
(projected)
Apr 08 – Mar 09
UK average
(07-08)
Coal
20.2%
23.8%
18.3%
16.2%
33.0%
Natural gas
24.7%
22.8%
24.1%
21.4%
43.5%
Nuclear
30.3%
25.9%
18.0%
7.9%
16.1%
Other
4.5%
3.3%
2.2%
0.9%
1.9%
Renewable
20.2%
24.1%
37.4%
53.6%
5.5%
0.292
0.316
0.2667
0.2301
0.468
0.00363
0.00285
0.00161
0.00071
0.00144
Environmental Impact
CO2 emissions*
Radioactive waste**
*CO2 emissions are in kg/kWh. **Radioactive waste relates to high-level waste in g/kWh.
Renewable supply figures include an estimated 11% reduction for transmission and distribution losses.
14
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
We’re in this together
Ecotricity works in partnership with many well known ethical
and environmentally focused organisations - including Ben and
Jerry’s, The Guardian, The Ecologist, Triodos Bank, Christian Aid,
Oxfam and some others you may not have heard of.
Oxfam
Soil Association
Oxfam believes that climate change is at the root
of many of the worst natural disasters the world
has seen in the last few decades, and is thus a
major cause of poverty in the developing world.
It's a view we share and we're very proud to be
supporting Oxfam in its work.
The Soil Association’s pioneering work is not just
about organic food and agriculture, it’s about a
way of life that ensures a sustainable future.
Organic food and organic electricity go hand in
hand - which is why our partnership with the Soil
Association is so important.
Oxfam is also working to reduce its own carbon
emissions with Ecotricity providing electricity for
all of its 800 UK stores. www.oxfam.org.uk
We've some exciting projects in the pipeline with
the Soil Association this year – watch this space!
www.soilassociation.org
Soil Association/Jason Ingram
15
Triodos Bank
Sea Shepherd
And...
One of Europe’s leading ethical banks, Triodos
has been our friend and partner for more than
fifteen years, providing funding for our first
turbine and many more since.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is
probably the most effective environmental group
you've never heard of. For more than 30 years
Sea Shepherd has been taking direct action to
protect marine habitats and wildlife.
An unexpected partner from beneath the sea –
the Humpback Whale. And proof if you needed it
that we should protect our biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered that the tubercles
(little bumps) on whale fins create 32% less drag
than a smooth surface would, giving them far
greater manoeuvrability.
With a commitment to only lend to organisations
pursuing positive social, environmental and
cultural goals, Triodos is the real deal.
www.triodos.co.uk
We were privileged to meet with Sea Shepherd
this year and had no hesitation in making them
one of the key causes we support. These guys
are just awe inspiring. www.seashepherd.org
Inspired by this, a Canadian firm is applying the
same principle to wind turbine blades to improve
their efficiency. Nature is amazing.
16
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
A few words from some of our friends
Safia Minney
People Tree
“Ecotricity provides
a real alternative.
They’re a power
company actually
doing good with our
electricity bills – not
about profit at any
cost, but about
taking the money
they make and
using it to promote
sustainability and
build a path to a
better future.”
Thomas
Schultz-Jagow
Oxfam
“Climate change is
a global issue
which is affecting
the poorest
communities all
over the world. But
we can all make a
difference. Many
solutions exist on
an individual level
and one is
choosing Ecotricity,
as we have done,
to help tackle
climate change.”
Jo Wood
Sarah Beeny
Organics
"We all have a
choice and mine is
Ecotricity. I get
great satisfaction
knowing I'm doing
my bit for the
planet. Don't fight
with nature, work
with it!"
“Once you realise
that Ecotricity
actually makes
energy and is
working towards
making real
differences
environmentally,
unlike most other
green energy tariffs,
it’s a no brainer to
switch to them.”
Patrick Holden
Ruth Andrade
Soil Association
Lush Cosmetics
“Going organic is
about a way of life
that goes beyond
organic food. It’s
about creating a
sustainable future.
And there’s no
better way to do
this than to plug
into renewable
energy .”
"Like Lush, Ecotricity
have shown how far
companies can go
to fight climate
change. We give
them our full support
so they can continue
to make great
investments in green
energy."
17
REVOLUTION
We can’t wait for governments to get their
acts together. Climate change is too
important for that.
We need a Green Revolution and People Power can bring that about.
After all we can all vote with our electricity bills.That puts the power in
our hands.
You’ve already cast your vote, and taken the biggest step you can.
But we need more people to join us to bring about more change.
The next biggest thing you can do is persuade someone else to join us.
Spread the word to your friends and family – get them to join us, and
we’ll get cracking turning their electricity bills into windmills.
18
PROGRESS REPORT 2008
Cars of the future
Harnessing the power of the wind is what Ecotricity is all about.
Now we're applying it to transport, with two extraordinary vehicles.
The elegant craft on the left is Greenbird. Part
aeroplane, part sailing boat, part Formula One
car, it has been designed to break two windpowered speed records.
Greenbird's solid sails are amazingly efficient.
The car can travel between three and five times
faster than the actual wind speed. All without an
engine of course...
Greenbird is built to travel on ice and land - and
we're hoping for suitably chilly conditions in
Montana for the "Greenbird on ice" record
attempt. 84mph is the target to beat and 75mph
has already been achieved.
Crushing the stereotype
For many drivers, cars are about more than the
trip from A to B. They want to have fun behind
the wheel too. But how do you get an
exhilarating drive without burning up the planet?
Ecotricity is working on the answer right now.
We've asked a group of talented designers and
engineers to build an electric car with supercar
performance. That means a top speed of 100
mph, 0 to 60 in four seconds and a range of 150
miles between charges – all from sustainable
energy sources, of course!
Our aim? To crush the stereotype of dull electric
vehicles and prove to big car manufacturers that
you can create a green machine for a fraction of
the millions they spend on development of fuel
cells. You'll find videos of our progress at
www.zerocarbonista.com
19
"Greenbird can travel
between three and five
times faster than the
actual wind speed.
That’s amazing."
Find out more about Greenbird at www.greenbird.co.uk
For more information,
visit ecotricity.co.uk or call 08000 302 302
Printed using Ecotricity on recycled chlorine-free
paper and using vegetable-based inks.
Axiom House, Station Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3AP Telephone: 01453 756111 Email: home@ecotricity.co.uk