Privilege Finance

A new report commissioned by The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), The Role of Green Gas in Net Zero, has captured headlines across the renewable energy press. Making a powerful case for anaerobic digestion (AD) as a cornerstone of the UK’s future energy mix, its findings are a strong reflection of what we at Privilege Finance have long championed - and what our CEO, Chris Winward, highlighted in his Energyst article last August: AD is a scalable, cost-effective solution that addresses decarbonisation, energy security, and waste management simultaneously. Read more below...

We would like to wish all of our colleagues, clients and friends and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you all in 2025! Please note that the offices of Privilege Finance will be closed for the Christmas period from 1pm Tuesday the 24th, reopening at 8:30am on Thursday the 2nd of January.

𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 🌍 With the recent results of the US Presidential Election and Trump’s re-election, many are curious about how his leadership could shape the global renewable energy landscape. While the potential impact on our industry remains uncertain, it’s not all doom and gloom; in fact, the past month brought substantial advancements in renewables. The UK government, for example, recently secured over £24 billion in private investment for pioneering energy projects, aiming to generate thousands of jobs across the nation. Additionally, Britain marked a historic milestone by shutting down its last coal-fired power station, ending an era of high-emission power and reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the transition to cleaner energy. However, the question remains: how can we sustain and accelerate this momentum towards a balanced, sustainable energy mix, especially as major political events worldwide could influence progress? While much of the UK's future energy will come from established technologies like wind and solar, meeting demand calls for a broader approach. AD and biomethane, for instance, are crucial to filling in the gaps in green energy supply. According to The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), these technologies could reduce UK emissions by up to 6% while powering millions of homes. Through our sister company, Eco Verde Energy (EVE), we’re proud to generate enough renewable heat and power annually to supply over 50,000 homes, with AD contributing significantly to the circular economy by converting waste into power and lowering emissions. As we reflect on these milestones, it’s essential to embrace the full spectrum of renewable solutions available to us. Read more via the link below, and let us know your thoughts on how to leverage a diverse range of technologies to reach our climate goals in the comments. https://lnkd.in/eH7YMA3E #EnergyFromWaste #AnaerobicDigestion #Biomethane #NetZero #Sustainability #CircularEconomy

🌍 Renewables breaks new record⚡️ Our CEO Chris Winward says: The news that renewables now power 50% of the UK grid is fantastic and proves what’s possible with the right policy levers and groundswell of support in place. But Government is still overlooking a big opportunity with green gas, especially biomethane. At Privilege Finance, we’ve invested over £600 million in renewable projects, and we see biomethane as a critical part of the net-zero journey. Turning waste into energy reduces landfill, boosts energy security, and feeds into the established gas grid - a win-win that deserves more attention. #RenewableEnergy #Biomethane #CarbonMitigation #NetZero https://lnkd.in/dhp5g_9c

Chris Winward, CEO at Privilege Finance, explains why anaerobic digestion has been overlooked within the UK’s energy strategy until now, and what we can do to change that, in this newly published article in The Energyst🌍❗ There is cause for hope, but now is the time to use our influence to raise awareness of AD and the benefits it can bring. 🔹With a new government in place, the renewable energy from waste sector must gain more recognition and awareness around how it can contribute to combating climate change and enhancing energy security in the UK. 🔹Privilege Finance has committed to bringing AD to the centre of the UK’s renewable energy conversation and to pushing for comprehensive support across all renewable technologies, ensuring that AD is recognised not just as an alternative, but as a necessity to help us achieve net zero by 2050. To read more click here ➡ https://lnkd.in/emnRVBqb

King Charles III has outlined the government's legislative plans for the year ahead at the State Opening of Parliament, including notable initiatives such as the Great British Energy Bill 📣 Today, King Charles delivered the Labour government's first King's Speech in the House of Lords. The speech set out the new Labour government's priorities for the months ahead, following the party's general election victory. In regards to renewable energy, the King said: "My Government recognises the urgency of the global climate challenge and the new job opportunities that can come from leading the development of the technologies of the future. It is committed to a clean energy transition which will lower energy bills for consumers over time. A Bill will be introduced to set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company headquartered in Scotland, which will help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind. Legislation will be brought forward to help the country achieve energy independence and unlock investment in energy infrastructure. A Bill will be introduced to support sustainable aviation fuel production." It is encouraging to see support for UK renewable energy and the strong backing from our climate-conscious monarch for this ambitious step towards decarbonising the UK. We hope the Labour government will also include anaerobic digestion in their plans, as it plays a crucial role in creating green, renewable energy and supporting a circular economy. For the UK to achieve true energy independence and rely solely on renewables, we need a diverse mix of technologies, including anaerobic digestion. We urge the new government to be bold in tackling climate change, as we have only one planet, and if we do not act now, the future will be uncertain. #PrivilegeFinance looks forward to updates on how GB Energy will transform our energy landscape. 💬 #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #GBEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Scotland #AnaerobicDigestion #Renewables #BeBraveOnClimateChange

Labour Party Wins Election 📣 Privilege Finance welcomes the new Labour government and eagerly anticipates their plans to establish and drive the GB Energy initiative. We encourage the new government to advance and grow the renewable energy sector in the UK, and we hope that anaerobic digestion is included in their strategy, as this renewable technology is crucial to the energy mix. In Keir Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister, he stated the opportunity for clean British power that could cut our energy bills for good. We hope that anaerobic digestion (AD) is included in this vision, as it can generate plentiful green energy. What’s more, with strong government support, we have the opportunity to invest in and build more AD plants across the UK. AD not only produces green energy but also generates biofertiliser, offering a sustainable solution to multiple environmental challenges. We invite the Labour government to visit one of our anaerobic digestion sites to see firsthand the benefits and effectiveness of this technology. A visit would provide valuable insight into how anaerobic digestion supports the UK’s energy needs and contributes to greater energy independence. With climate change presenting an urgent reality, prioritising effective and sustainable solutions is essential. We expect the new government to place a strong emphasis on renewable energy to help reach our Net Zero goals. We believe that with the right support, anaerobic digestion can play a significant role in achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the UK. We look forward to collaborating with the new government to further these objectives and make significant progress in the renewable energy sector. https://lnkd.in/ev8MGj5H #Labour #Election #RenewableEnergy #AnaerobicDigestion #PrivilegeFinance #BeBraveOnClimateChange

Tomorrow, the United Kingdom will be voting to elect the next government. This is a critical moment for our nation, as the party that comes into power will significantly influence the direction of our country in the coming years. The choices we make in this election will shape our policies and priorities on a wide range of issues. One of the most pressing challenges we face today is climate change. 🌱 The elected government must take bold and decisive actions to combat this global crisis. We need a government that is committed to transitioning towards a circular economy and reaching our Net Zero carbon goals. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also drives innovation and long-term economic growth. 💬 Additionally, renewable energy must be at the forefront of our national agenda. By investing in clean energy sources such as anaerobic digestion, we can reduce our carbon footprint, create green jobs, and secure our energy needs for the coming generations. 💡 As we head to the polls, let us consider the importance of these issues and the impact our votes will have on the environment. 🌍 To read our vision for the energy from waste sector, please click here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eQVfgUrN #PrivilegeFinance #generalelection #ClimateChange #BeBraveOnClimateChange #renewableenergy #greenenergy #NetZero

Privilege Finance Responds to the Reform UK Contract❗️📣 We are utterly disappointed to read the Reform UK Party’s manifesto (or as they call it “Our Contract with You”) and their lack of commitment to renewable energy and achieving Net Zero by 2050. The manifesto’s pledge to fast-track North Sea gas and oil licenses, abandon Net Zero goals, and explore coal mining is not only regressive but deeply alarming. Their whole manifesto reads as if it were written 40 years ago, ignoring humans’ significant impact on the planet and the pressing need for immediate climate action. The whole planet is experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, and failure to act now jeopardises the future of humanity. Climate change is already affecting the UK with more heatwaves and flooding and if the next Government in power does not act now the impacts of climate change will spread and intensify. 💬 To read more, click here ➡️https://lnkd.in/gcdnDG8F #PrivilegeFinance #ClimateChange #BeBraveOnClimateChange #renewableenergy #greenenergy #zetzero #manifesto #election #reformUK

Be 'ambitious' on climate, scientists urge parties❗️ 📢 All parties should commit to an "ambitious" programme of climate policies, say a group of the UK's leading climate scientists.💬 In an open letter, published on Monday, the academics said if the parties do not make this pledge they are not deserving of support. The letter has been signed by 408 members of the UK's climate science community - some of the most distinguished of the country's academics.📝 Recognisable names include Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, Professor Emily Shuckburgh and Professor Sir David King who was the government's Chief Scientific Adviser between 2000 and 2007. The letter published on Monday called on the party leaders to take five specific actions, including: 🔹 Accelerating action to help the UK adapt to climate change 🔹 Increase funding for developing countries, and 🔹 Lead by example internationally on climate change As well as highlighting the need for any future government to support poorer countries in their efforts on climate change, the letter also points out that UK residents are already feeling the effects of a warming planet. The scientists draw attention to the summer heatwave of 2022 that saw thousands of excess deaths and devastation to agricultural yields as a result of 40C temperatures. The letter says if a party leader does not make climate change a priority they "will place the prosperity and well-being of the British people at severe risk". To read the BBC article in full: https://lnkd.in/g2fvpfQd Privilege Finance Thoughts: As we approach the general election on July 4th, we believe that climate change is an immediate and pressing issue that must be a top priority for the new government. We commend the scientists who have prepared and signed this letter. The new government must be brave, bold and have a real commitment to combating climate change, as it poses the greatest threat to our planet. To help tackle climate change, we must develop domestic renewable energy sources, which are essential for reducing reliance on harmful fossil fuels and achieving energy security and independence. We advocate for the inclusion of anaerobic digestion in the renewable energy mix. We hope the newly elected government will take climate change seriously and implement long-term policies and initiatives to promote renewable energy. We have drafted a manifesto outlining our vision for renewable energy from waste and our recommendations for government action, which can be accessed here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eQVfgUrN The time to act is now. Our future depends on the decisions we make today. #BeBraveOnClimateChange #PrivilegeFinance #Manifesto #AD #EnergyFromWaste #EfW #Biogas #Biomethane #AnaerobicDigestion #Labour #LibDem #Conservative #GeneralElection #PrivilegeFinanceManifesto