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Certas accelerates energy transition strategy with renewables appointment and acquisition

Fuel and lubricants distributor, Certas Energy, has accelerated its mission to transform the way homes and businesses are powered with the appointment of a new Renewable Energy Director and the acquisition of Hafod Renewable Energy, a leading supplier of sustainable energy solutions.

The company has appointed a specialist in renewable technologies to spearhead its diversified and growing sustainable energy portfolio.

Sustainability goals

With a commitment to supporting customers on their energy transition journey, Certas Energy has appointed Mark Deeney, a specialist in renewable technologies, to spearhead its diversified and growing portfolio of sustainable energy solutions and services.

Mark Deeney
Renewables Director Certas Energy

Having previously worked at leading heat pump distributors Waterkotte, Space Air Solutions, Daikin and most recently, as Commercial Director for Glen Dimplex Heating and Ventilation, Mark has over 20 years’ experience in construction and the alternative energy industry. In his new role, Mark will head up Certas Energy’s newly-formed Energy Solutions Renewables Division, helping customers to optimise and evolve their energy mix with sustainable technologies.

Mark said: “I am delighted to be joining Certas Energy at this pivotal point in its energy transition journey. The path to net zero is not always straightforward and the pace of change varies significantly across different sectors, but I am passionate about building Certas Energy’s alternative energy solutions propositions and realising value from key acquisitions.

“Our overarching aim is to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals by ensuring they have access to the right renewable technology solutions and expertise, at the right time.”

As well as welcoming Mark on board, Certas Energy has reached another key milestone on its energy transition roadmap. The company recently acquired Hafod Renewable Energy, one of the UK’s fastest growing renewable energy businesses.

A pipeline of renewable acquisition

Based in St Asaph, Wales, Hafod Renewable Energy offers a wide range of sustainable energy solutions to domestic, commercial and agricultural customers, including air source heat pumps, solar panels, EV chargers and underfloor heating. Hafod Renewable Energy is the second major investment Certas Energy has made to grow its renewable solutions offering, having acquired Preston-based Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s leading distributors of air source and ground source heat pump equipment, in late 2022.

Certas Energy’s pipeline for acquisition in UK renewable businesses is a core part of its strategy to bring additional value to customers, build on its heritage of energy distribution expertise and cement its position as the energy transition partner of choice.

An unwavering commitment to transition

Steve Little, MD at Certas Energy, said: “Transitioning homes and businesses towards cleaner energy options to create a more sustainable future will require a combination of technologies and services. We’re dedicated to developing and investing in our business model to do exactly that.

“Mark’s appointment and the latest acquisition of Hafod Renewable Energy is testament to our unwavering commitment to powering the energy transition and we are excited for the significant contribution they will make to Certas Energy and our customers. By expanding our portfolio, growing our renewables division and harnessing industry-leading expertise, we are confident that we can continue to drive meaningful change.”

Certas Energy has introduced a number of energy transition-focused initiatives to underpin its decarbonisation efforts. This includes the launch of low carbon, energy transition technology brand Evolo for homes and businesses moving to cleaner energy supply for power and heat, as well as Cynergise™, its new commercial energy transition consultancy service.

“Certas Energy is also driving change in liquid alternative fuel through national supply of HVO for commercial customers and participating in the UKIFDA and OFTEC’s Future Ready Fuels Project, demonstrating HVO’s capabilities as a 90% reduced carbon emission heating solution alternative to kerosene.”

Leading by example

“Further to this,” Steve continues. “The company has established an ESG and Sustainability Committee to articulate, develop, drive and monitor its ambitious sustainability strategy and environmental, social value and governance goals. These efforts combined saw Certas Energy being crowned winner of the highly coveted UKIFDA Green Award for 2023.

“Sustainability and ESG is the golden thread running through our growth strategy, building on sustainable principles, standards and products,” added Steve. “From fuelling our own fleets with renewable fuel and offering EVs to company car users, to installing heat pumps in our offices and solar panels on our retail sites, we strive to lead by example and have already exceeded our 2025, 20% carbon reduction target.

“As a company, we are on track to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and, by continuing to invest in lower carbon energy products and expertise, we are optimistic that our customers can join us on this journey and achieve their own carbon neutral goals.”