LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, and Octopus Energy, a leading UK energy provider, closed a strategic partnership on high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) technology across the United Kingdom with the aim to significantly boost the country's renewable energy capacity.
The partnership between LONGi and Octopus Energy is set to increase the deployment of solar energy across the UK. The collaboration will provide consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom with greater access to advanced solar technologies, reinforcing both companies' commitment to supporting the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest specialist renewable energy investors with $9 billion of projects under management, will play a key role in this collaboration. With over 150 solar farm investments in six countries and a strong pipeline of new projects globally, Octopus Energy Generation brings extensive expertise and resources to the partnership. This experience will be instrumental in scaling solar energy solutions in the UK and beyond.
During the signing ceremony, Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, stated: “China’s rapid progress in accelerating the roll-out of green energy is nothing short of remarkable. Partnering with a world-leading company like LONGi will help turbocharge solar projects around the world and ensure they are affordable due to LONGi’s scale and size. We look forward to working together to create a cheaper, greener, and more secure energy system for everyone.”
Ross Kent, General Manager for LONGi Solar (DG) UK & Ireland, commented: "There is a huge untapped potential for renewable energy in the UK, particularly solar energy. This partnership will help to further close this gap, accelerate the transition and bring cutting-edge solar technology innovations such as LONGi's high-efficiency back-contact technology to solar projects across the UK.”
Strong R&D Focus Results in Leading Solar Technology
LONGi has one of the highest annual R&D expenditures in the industry. Approximately 5% of its annual operating revenue is invested in R&D, making the company a pioneer in solar technology innovation. Since 2021, the company has broken the photovoltaic (PV) cell conversion efficiency record 18 times in a row. Currently it is holding two efficiency world records, both officially confirmed in 2024.
As a result, LONGi has also been at the forefront of the development of back contact technology, specifically Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) solar cells. This proprietary HPBC technology allows for higher conversion efficiency and superior performance under challenging conditions, making it ideal for the UK’s diverse weather patterns. Back contact technology in solar modules enhances the power output and reliability of the panels.
"Back contact technology is the future of solar technology, and LONGi is leading the way. We have invested additional R&D resources to excel the technology further,” Ross Kent added. “We believe that by pushing the boundaries of solar technology, we can provide more sustainable and efficient energy solutions for all.”
Aligning with the UK's Net-Zero Goals
The collaboration is in line with the UK government's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By leveraging LONGi's advanced solar technology, the partnership aims to significantly increase the adoption of renewable energy in the residential, commercial, and utility sector across the UK.
Dennis She, Senior Vice President at LONGi said: “Octopus holds a substantial influence on the UK and global energy market. By harnessing the strengths of both parties in technological innovation and strategic resources, we are poised to deliver transformative projects worldwide. This agreement is a pivotal move towards achieving our shared vision of a sustainable energy future, setting new standards for the industry and accelerating the world’s transition to clean, renewable energy.”
About Octopus Energy Generation
Octopus Energy Generation is driving the renewable energy agenda and building green power for the future. It is reshaping the market by leading the transition to a cleaner, greener future through renewable projects connected more deeply to customers and businesses. As one of Europe’s largest specialist renewables investors, it manages 3.7 GW of green energy projects like wind and solar farms in over 15 countries, worth £7bn ($9bn). These generate enough green power for 2.3 million homes every year - the equivalent of taking over 1 million petrol cars off the road.
Octopus comes up with innovative tech-enabled products to change ingrained thinking about energy, positively influence the net zero economy and deliver cheaper energy for customers. This includes the ‘Fan Club’, a world-first tariff providing discounted energy to people living near wind turbines when it's windy, which has seen 25,000+ requests for local wind turbines, and Winder (Tinder for Wind), Octopus’ tech platform to speed up new turbines development driven by community demand. For more information, check out our website.
About Octopus Energy Group
Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to 8 million households globally. Its operations span 18 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.
Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 54 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.
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