Activ8 Solar Energies Powers Future with Low Carbon Energy Acquisition
Deal News | Aug 16, 2025 | B Daily

Activ8 Solar Energies, a leading solar panel installation company headquartered in Ireland and partially owned by SSE Airtricity, has acquired Burnley's Low Carbon Energy as part of its strategic expansion into the UK market. This acquisition aims to position Activ8 as the UK's largest provider of commercial and industrial renewable energy solutions and is set to double the company's turnover and installation capacity. Low Carbon Energy will continue to operate under its brand, with its leadership, including Managing Director Benedict Ennis and Founder Ged Ennis, remaining in their roles. The acquisition comes as both companies aim to leverage their combined expertise to deliver large-scale renewable projects and support businesses in their decarbonisation efforts.
Sectors
- Renewable Energy
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- United Kingdom – Low Carbon Energy is based in Burnley, and the acquisition aims to expand Activ8's market presence in the UK.
- Ireland – Activ8 Solar Energies is headquartered in Ireland, and this geographic base is significant in understanding the company's strategic international expansion.
Industry
- Renewable Energy – The primary focus of the article is on solar energy and renewable energy solutions, highlighting the acquisition of Low Carbon Energy by Activ8 Solar Energies as part of strategic growth in the renewable sector.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article discusses a corporate acquisition, with Activ8 Solar Energies acquiring Low Carbon Energy, demonstrating consolidation within the renewable energy industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activ8 Solar Energies | Acquiring Company | Company | A solar panel installation company based in Ireland, 50% owned by SSE Airtricity, focusing on renewable energy solutions. |
| Low Carbon Energy | Target Company | Company | A UK-based solar energy firm with a strong track record across 300 sites, including clients like BMW and NHS. |
| SSE Airtricity | Parent Company | Company | A significant shareholder in Activ8 Solar Energies, supporting the acquisition for strategic growth in the UK. |
| Ciarn Marron | CEO of Activ8 | Person | Chief Executive Officer of Activ8 Solar Energies, leading the company's expansion plans. |
| Benedict Ennis | MD of Low Carbon Energy | Person | Managing Director of Low Carbon Energy, who will continue in his role post-acquisition. |
| Ged Ennis | Non-Executive Director | Person | Founder of Low Carbon Energy, remaining as non-executive director after the acquisition. |
| Jon Kirby | SSE Head of Development | Person | Provides insights into the partnership's strategy to support business decarbonisation. |