We are delighted to announce that Sustainable Energy First has been shortlisted in the Innovation Project of the Year: Frameworks and Standards category at the edie Energy & Tech Awards 2026, recognising the transformative impact of our Sustainable Energy Consortium (SEC).
The awards celebrate the technologies and projects accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, with winners due to be announced in October.
Delivering credible renewable electricity without the complexity
The shortlisting recognises SEC as a breakthrough in green energy procurement. Developed over five years, SEC is a unique renewable electricity buying group, making high-integrity renewable electricity accessible to organisations of all sizes.
The energy sector has lacked a renewable supply solution that is both accessible and credible. By connecting a diversified portfolio of 100+ renewable generators with a growing portfolio of 100+ businesses, SEC replaces standard green tariffs and complex CPPAs with a transparent, traceable supply model. Through half-hourly matching and a capped-price structure, it delivers deep market-based Scope 2 reductions while strengthening business resilience against volatile energy markets.
Since launching in April 2023, SEC has grown to include 120 public and private sector organisations and 114 renewable electricity generators spanning wind, solar and hydro assets across the UK. Participants include organisations such as Itsu, Corinthia Hotels, Mint Velvet and Inspire Education Group, all benefiting from a more transparent and resilient approach to renewable electricity procurement.
SEC enables organisations to access traceable renewable electricity from identifiable UK generation assets. By managing the complexity behind the scenes, we make it easier for organisations to strengthen their market-based Scope 2 emissions claims without the lengthy negotiations or specialist expertise traditionally associated with CPPAs.
Supporting UK renewable generation
The consortium also delivers significant environmental benefits. SEC’s 613 GWh of contracted renewable generation is enough to power approximately 188,000 average UK homes with clean energy for a year, while its growing network creates a stable route to market for independent renewable generators, supporting continued investment in UK renewable energy.
Being shortlisted for this national award is recognition of the innovation behind SEC and our commitment to making high-integrity renewable electricity more accessible. As more organisations seek to balance cost, resilience and credible decarbonisation, SEC offers a proven solution that delivers on all three.
Join 120 organisations committed to transparency
Discover how SEC can help your organisation access authentic, traceable renewable electricity. Visit our Sustainable Energy Consortium page or get in touch to discuss membership.
