Octopus launches investment platform for people to buy shares in green energy (Image: Octopus Energy)
has launched a new investment platform to allow people to buy a share of green energy projects.
The platform, ‘’ allows people to directly buy a share of a project like a wind turbine or solar farm.
With a minimum investment of £25, the platform, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that all returns go directly to investors, with “no fees” involved.
The launch follows a recent YouGov survey, which found that one in three (33%) Britons are interested in investing in green power.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Collective, said: “Moving to renewable energy represents one of the biggest investment opportunities of our generation – and people can play a powerful role in driving it.
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It comes as new research shows one in three Britons want to invest in green projects (Image: Getty)
“We know our customers and lots of people want to do more than use green energy, they want to own a piece of it and turbocharge the shift to a cheaper energy system.”
The user-friendly platform launches with two wind turbines in Yorkshire and Wales, with plans for several more renewables projects across the country. These turbines are part of Octopus’ “Fan Club” scheme, offering nearby customers discounted electricity when the wind is strong.
The turbines target an annual return of up to 6% over a three-year investment term, based on historical data on their financial and operational performance. To encourage participation, Octopus is underwriting initial investments for the first projects on “Collective.”
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Investors contributing £1,000 would own around 0.05% of a turbine, with the potential for a 6% annual return, totalling £180 over three years, plus quarterly dividends. However, as with any investment, capital is at risk, and returns are not guaranteed.
Members can track their returns and the clean energy generated through their Collective account. Octopus Energy customers can also link dividends to their energy bills for additional savings.
After three years, the project aims to buy back shares at the original price, allowing members to withdraw or reinvest in other clean energy projects on the platform.
Ms North-Bond added: “We’re at the start of a people-powered renewables revolution – and ‘the Collective’ platform is bringing green energy ownership to the many, not the few. It’s time for more people to have the chance to take a stake in their clean energy future.”