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- 📈 £100M Boost for Britain’s Zero-Emission Hubs
📈 £100M Boost for Britain’s Zero-Emission Hubs
Bees & Bears Secures €500M for Green Revolution
This is Cliff Equity, the UK’s business newsletter that keeps you informed on what’s important in tech, business and finance in less than 5 minutes
In today’s stories:
£100M Boost for Britain’s Zero-Emission Hubs
Bees & Bears Secures €500M for Green Revolution
Heathrow’s Third Runway: Ready for Takeoff?
The summary: Aegis Energy’s £100M-backed mission to roll out zero-emission hubs across the UK is set to revolutionise commercial transport, slashing carbon and helping businesses stay ahead in the green game.
The details:
Aegis Energy, the London-based clean energy pioneer, just bagged a £100M investment from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners to build a network of commercial vehicle recharging hubs.
The first five multi-energy hubs, featuring everything from high-speed electric charging to hydrogen refuelling, will spring up in Sheffield, Immingham, Warrington, Corby, and Towcester, with 30 more planned by 2030.
Co-founders Christopher Thorneycroft-Smith and Edmund Robins aim to tackle the UK’s hefty transport emissions, targeting the 10% chunk from commercial vehicles with their zero-emission infrastructure.
Each hub promises to slash carbon emissions by 14,300 tonnes annually, giving the UK’s clean energy transition a turbo boost while helping businesses meet mounting eco-pressures.
Why it matters: With transport spewing out nearly a third of the UK’s emissions, Aegis Energy’s ambitious hubs are a lifeline for businesses scrambling to go green before regulations force their hand. By future-proofing commercial fleets, they’re not just cutting carbon but also keeping companies on the right side of eco-conscious consumers. Plus, who wouldn’t want to swap diesel fumes for the sweet hum of hydrogen and electric?
The summary: Bees & Bears is revolutionising green energy financing by making eco-friendly home upgrades accessible to all, while giving local tradespeople and banks a lucrative boost.
The details:
German climate fintech Bees & Bears clinches a hefty €500M from a DACH-region bank, with the European Central Bank keeping a watchful eye.
Founded in 2023 by Jakob von Egidy and Marius Schondelmaier, Bees & Bears' software smooths the path for sustainable energy installations in German homes, from photovoltaic systems to heat pumps.
The fresh funding promises over 24,000 eco-friendly installations, offering installment plans akin to car financing, leveling the playing field for small and medium tradespeople.
Co-founders boast their solution brings installment payments to your favorite local installer, simplifying solar system purchases as if you're buying a car – all while making banks happy with hassle-free, green lending.
Why it matters: Bees & Bears is shaking up the green energy game, making it easier for everyday folks to go eco-friendly without breaking the bank. By empowering local tradespeople with flexible financing, they’re giving the big industry players a run for their money. Plus, with banks keen on this booming market, it's a win-win for the planet and the pockets.
The summary: The UK’s government is ready to take off with plans to expand airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, all while keeping an eye on global competitiveness.
The details:
Runway Rumbles: The UK government is eyeing major airport expansions, with Heathrow's contentious third runway back on the table, alongside possible expansions at Gatwick and Luton, all part of a push for economic growth.
Chancellor's Check-In: Rachel Reeves is set to possibly unveil these plans next week, as she heads to Davos to pitch the UK’s upward trajectory to global business leaders and investors.
Green Light with Conditions: While airport bosses eagerly await clear directives, the government insists any expansion must align with economic growth goals and stick to environmental commitments.
Past Baggage: Labour’s stance on Heathrow’s expansion has been turbulent, with Keir Starmer previously opposing the third runway, highlighting the ongoing political and environmental tug-of-war over airport growth.
Why it matters: The potential airport expansions could be a major lift-off for the UK’s economy, signalling a government ready to prioritize growth despite past turbulence. However, balancing economic ambitions with environmental and community concerns is a tightrope act that could land Labour in hot water. Ultimately, the runway debates aren’t just about planes—they’re about the UK’s broader strategy to stay globally competitive while keeping its green promises intact.
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