Frontier Agriculture is harnessing solar energy in an innovative partnership with Octopus Energy through its Electric Match technology. This system enables Frontier to optimize energy use across its numerous sites by sharing excess solar power generated at one location with others in real-time, significantly enhancing the efficiency of its operations.
Founded in 2005, Frontier Agriculture has established itself as the leading crop production and grain marketing business in the UK. The company employs over 1,100 people across 46 sites in England and Scotland, producing and distributing approximately 5 million tonnes of grain annually. This grain finds its way into everyday products, from breakfast cereals to animal feed, making Frontier a crucial player in the agricultural sector.
Frontier is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in agriculture. The collaboration with Octopus Energy began in 2023, marking a significant step towards enhancing Frontier’s green credentials. Electric Match allows Frontier to treat its entire energy portfolio as a single unit, enabling efficient energy distribution and minimizing reliance on the grid.
The Electric Match system effectively matches energy generated at one site with demand at another. This innovative approach has allowed Frontier to utilize its solar energy more effectively, as David Alliston, Group Operations and Supply Chain Director at Frontier Agriculture, noted, “Moving to Electric Match has almost doubled the amount of our own renewable electricity that can be used at our sites, and our grid-purchased electricity has fallen significantly.”
Frontier’s solar capacity is impressive, boasting 3.7 MW across 10 facilities. This setup generates approximately 17% of the company’s total energy needs, translating to over 800,000 kWh of renewable energy utilized for free within a year. By sharing this surplus energy, Electric Match not only reduces costs but also enhances the sustainability of Frontier’s operations.
As solar energy production varies seasonally, Frontier’s energy matching peaks during the sunnier months. The company strategically shifts its energy-intensive operations to align with periods of high solar generation, maximizing efficiency and savings. For instance, machinery like the colour sorter at Frontier’s site in Saddlebow, Norfolk, is scheduled to operate during peak solar hours, further enhancing its time-matching capabilities.
Electric Match significantly eases the financial burden on Frontier. The cost of moving energy between sites is minimal compared to purchasing additional energy from the grid. Furthermore, any energy needs that exceed production are supplemented by Octopus Energy’s standard 100% green electricity.
Looking ahead, Frontier Agriculture aims to deepen its commitment to renewable energy. “The energy we procure through Octopus is 100% renewable,” Alliston explained, emphasizing the importance of investing in sustainable energy sources. This partnership not only reduces costs but also encourages further investments in renewable energy projects, allowing Frontier to remain flexible in its operations.
Electric Match exemplifies how businesses can leverage technology to enhance sustainability while achieving financial savings. Frontier Agriculture’s collaboration with Octopus Energy is a forward-looking model for others seeking to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the integration of green technologies like Electric Match will play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.
