Clean Energy is a cornerstone of the UK’s Industrial Strategy 2025, driving the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The sector includes companies involved in the production, deployment, and maintenance of renewable and low-emission energy systems, spanning manufacturing, construction, and services.
With the UK committed to achieving net-zero emissions, Clean Energy industries are central to innovation, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
What Is Clean Energy?
Clean Energy refers to industries and technologies that produce power with minimal environmental impact. This includes renewable energy sources such as wind, hydrogen, and nuclear, as well as supporting services such as installation, maintenance, and environmental consulting.
Unlike traditional energy, which relies on fossil fuels, Clean Energy focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and decarbonisation, aligning directly with the UK’s Industrial Strategy 2025 and Invest 2035 goals.
Why Clean Energy Matters to the UK Economy
Clean Energy contributes significantly to the UK economy by:
- Driving Innovation: Supporting new technologies like hydrogen, SMRs, and offshore wind turbines.
- Creating Jobs: High-value roles in engineering, manufacturing, and R&D.
- Supporting Decarbonisation: Enabling renewable electricity, low-emission transport, and energy-efficient heating.
- Regional Growth: Stimulating industrial clusters in the Midlands, North West, and South East.
- Technological Sovereignty: Reducing reliance on foreign energy supply chains.
In short, Clean Energy sits at the intersection of sustainability, digitalisation, and industrial strategy, making it vital to the UK’s long-term competitiveness.
Frontier Industries in Clean Energy
The UK’s Clean Energy sector is made up of several frontier industries, which drive technological innovation and economic growth:
1. Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) & Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR)
- Manufacture of goods in the CCUS supply chain
- Services supporting the deployment of CCUS and GGR technologies
2. Heat Pumps
- Manufacture and installation of heat pumps
- Services for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions
3. Hydrogen
- Production and deployment of hydrogen technologies
- Services for fuel cells, storage, and distribution
4. Nuclear Fission
- Large-scale nuclear plants and Small/Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs & AMRs)
- Manufacturing nuclear fuels and maintenance services
5. Nuclear Fusion
- R&D activities driving the commercialisation of fusion power
6. Offshore and Onshore Wind
- Manufacturing turbines and components
- Deployment and maintenance of wind farms
These industries span multiple SIC codes and cannot always be fully captured by traditional classification systems.
SIC Codes Relevant to Clean Energy
| Industry Segment | SIC Code | Description |
| Electrical Installation | 43210 | Installation of electrical systems for renewable energy infrastructure |
| Plumbing, Heat and Air-conditioning Installation | 43220 | Installation of heat pumps and energy-efficient systems |
| Production of Electricity | 35 | Generation of electricity from renewable and nuclear sources |
| Environmental Consulting Activities | 74901 | Advisory services for clean energy deployment and sustainability strategies |
Note: Many frontier clean energy sectors, including hydrogen and nuclear fusion, are not fully represented in SIC codes due to their cross-sectoral nature.
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How Clean Energy Is Transforming Industries
Clean Energy is not just about generating power; it’s transforming the entire industrial ecosystem:
- Renewable Manufacturing: Producing turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen equipment.
- Advanced Services: Installation, maintenance, and environmental consulting.
- Digital Integration: Smart grids, sensors, IoT, and energy analytics for efficient deployment.
- Sustainability: Reducing emissions across supply chains and supporting circular economy initiatives.
Leading Clean Energy Companies in the UK
Some of the UK’s top players driving Clean Energy innovation include:
Top UK Clean Energy Companies by Turnover
1. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated
Incorporated: 1982
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £46.3b
Operates electricity generation and energy infrastructure projects in the UK. A major player in renewable and low-carbon energy initiatives, supporting the country’s clean energy transition.
2. British Gas Trading Limited
Incorporated: 1995
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £14.5b
One of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, providing gas and electricity to millions of households and businesses. The company is a key player in the clean energy transition through efficiency programmes and renewable energy initiatives.
3. EDF Energy Customers Limited
Incorporated: 1988
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £13.6b
A subsidiary of EDF Group, serving residential and commercial customers with electricity and gas. Actively involved in nuclear and renewable energy projects across the UK.
4. E.ON Next Energy Limited
Incorporated:1999
Location: West Midlands
Latest Turnover: £12.3b
Focused on providing renewable and low-carbon energy solutions. E.ON Next drives decarbonisation efforts through green electricity supply and sustainable energy services.
5. EDF Energy Limited
Incorporated: 1989
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £10.6b
Operates nuclear and renewable energy generation sites in the UK. A key contributor to clean energy infrastructure and low-carbon power initiatives.
Challenges and Opportunities in Clean Energy
While Clean Energy is growing rapidly, there are challenges:
- SIC Classification Limitations: It is difficult to accurately capture emerging technologies.
- High Capital Requirements: Infrastructure and R&D are expensive.
- Policy and Regulatory Complexity: Government incentives and industrial strategy are evolving.
Opportunities include:
- Innovation in Hydrogen and Nuclear Fusion
- Expansion of Offshore Wind and Heat Pumps
- Investment in Environmental Consulting and Digital Energy Solutions
How to Track and Analyse Clean Energy Sectors
Modern data platforms, like DataGardener, allow businesses to:
- Map Clean Energy companies across the UK
- Track frontier industries beyond SIC codes
- Analyse supply chains, R&D, and investment opportunities
- Identify emerging trends in renewable energy technologies
This provides a more complete and actionable view of the clean power transition.
Conclusion:
Clean Energy is central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy 2025. By integrating renewable technologies, frontier industries, and sustainable practices, the sector strengthens national resilience, drives innovation, and supports economic growth.
The UK’s transition to a net-zero and sustainable economy depends on Clean Energy industries, making them a strategic priority for governments, investors, and industry alike.
Other resources:
- A Complete Guide to Advanced Manufacturing – UK Modern Industrial Strategy
- How to Spot a Financially Unstable Business Before It’s Too Late
- What If You Could See Any Company’s Turnover in a Few Clicks?