Share Energy and EnergyCloud unite to combat fuel poverty with surplus wind energy

(L-R) Jamie Delargy, Chairperson of EnergyCloud Northern Ireland and Damian Wilson, Share Energy CEO.

In a groundbreaking move to address Northern Ireland’s deepening fuel poverty crisis, Share Energy has partnered with EnergyCloud Northern Ireland, a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to harnessing surplus renewable electricity.

The collaboration aims to provide free hot water to households struggling with energy costs, using smart technology to redirect otherwise wasted wind energy.

This initiative not only tackles energy poverty but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and carbon emissions.

The partnership equips homes across Northern Ireland with EnergyCloud-enabled smart devices, which divert surplus wind energy—generated during periods of high renewable production and low demand—to heat household water tanks.

This innovative approach offers a practical solution to two pressing challenges: the curtailment of renewable energy and the financial strain faced by fuel-poor households.

“No one should be living in fuel poverty in 2025 — yet too many families are still forced to choose between heating and eating,” said Damian Wilson, Share Energy CEO.

“At Share, we’re not interested in doing things the traditional way. We’re here to disrupt a broken system and deliver real, tangible change for the communities we serve. Our partnership with EnergyCloud is a powerful example of that mission in action — using smart technology and surplus renewable energy to reduce waste, cut emissions, and most importantly, put money back in the pockets of those who need it most.”

A Growing Crisis: Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland

Fuel poverty remains a critical issue in Northern Ireland, exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and persistently high energy prices. A September 2024 poll by National Energy Action (NEA) NI revealed that 40% of households are now spending more than 10% of their income on energy, a sharp rise from previous estimates of one in four households.

Additionally, 27% of respondents reported going without heating or electricity at some point in the past two years due to costs, while 79% noted year-on-year increases in their energy bills.

These stark statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions. Fuel-poor households, often the most vulnerable, are disproportionately affected, facing impossible choices between essential needs.

The partnership between Share Energy and EnergyCloud offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how collaboration between energy suppliers, housing providers, and social enterprises can deliver meaningful change.

EnergyCloud’s Mission: Cleaner, Fairer Energy

EnergyCloud Northern Ireland has already made strides in addressing energy poverty, with its first project launched in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The initiative has enabled participating households to save over £100 annually on energy costs, while making effective use of Northern Ireland’s growing renewable energy capacity. More projects are in development, with the potential to scale this model across the region.

“We’re delighted to welcome Share to the EnergyCloud network,” said Jamie Delargy, Chairperson of EnergyCloud Northern Ireland.

“Their commitment to innovation and social impact aligns closely with our mission to deliver cleaner, fairer energy to homes across Northern Ireland. At EnergyCloud, we believe that access to affordable, sustainable energy is not just a must for the environment, but a fundamental social need.

“Too many families across Northern Ireland struggle to afford the energy they require, while at the same time, vast amounts of renewable electricity are wasted due to curtailment. The solution is clear: by directing surplus wind and solar energy to those in fuel poverty, we can make a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.”

EnergyCloud’s work is supported by key industry partners, including NIE Networks, SONI, RenewableNI, and National Energy Action NI, alongside retail partners like Share Energy. Together, they are building a framework to ensure that renewable energy benefits those who need it most.

A Model for Change

The partnership exemplifies how technology and collaboration can address systemic challenges. By leveraging Northern Ireland’s abundant wind energy resources, Share Energy and EnergyCloud are not only reducing waste but also alleviating financial pressures on vulnerable households.

The initiative aligns with broader environmental goals, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

As fuel poverty continues to affect a growing number of households, scalable solutions like this are vital. The success of EnergyCloud’s initial project with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive demonstrates the potential for wider impact, with the possibility of expanding to more communities in need.

This partnership serves as a powerful example of how innovation, social responsibility, and collaboration can transform lives. By redirecting surplus renewable energy to those struggling with energy costs, Share Energy and EnergyCloud are paving the way for a fairer, greener future in Northern Ireland.