Founded in 2019, Shawton Energy has been building a model to accelerate corporate renewable adoption. Backed 50% by Lazard Asset Management and equipped with in-house legal, funding, and delivery expertise, the company says it can cut through the complexity that often derails net-zero projects. Tim McManan-Smith met with Jamie Shaw, CEO, Shawton Energy to discuss
Founded in 2019, Shawton Energy emerged from a recognition that while the appetite for renewable power was growing, the pathway was often blocked by cost and complexity. The UK’s transition to net-zero has accelerated dramatically over the past five years. Yet for many businesses, the path remains littered with obstacles: upfront costs, contract complexity, and the operational risks of adopting new technologies.
“Back in 2019, we saw a clear demand for renewable projects but a real shortage of accessible solutions,” recalls Jamie Shaw, CEO. “The technology was proven, but businesses were being asked to take on too much of the cost and risk. Our aim from day one was to simplify the process and take away as many of those barriers as possible.”
By taking responsibility for funding, contracting, and delivery, Shawton Energy aimed to make renewable projects as straightforward as possible for corporate customers.
Backing from Lazard Asset Management
One of the early milestones in Shawton Energy’s journey was securing investment from global financial advisory and asset management firm Lazard Asset Management. In 2020, Lazard Asset Management acquired a 50% stake in Shawton Energy, a move that Jamie says was critical in establishing the company’s credibility.
“Having Lazard onboard gave us financial stability and a long-term outlook,” he explains. “When you’re talking to major corporates about 15- or 20-year power purchase agreements, it’s essential to show that you’ll be around for the duration. Lazard’s backing sent exactly that message.”
A fully integrated structure
Unlike many renewable developers that rely on external advisors, Shawton Energy deliberately built an in-house structure. The company employs its own legal team to draft and negotiate contracts, arranges funding directly, and oversees installation through trusted delivery partners.
“It’s a cradle-to-grave model,” says Jamie. “We write the contracts, we secure the funding, and we manage the build. If a client signs a 10-year PPA with us, we are talking on average 12p/kWh, whereas if it’s a 25-year PPA, it’s 8p/kWh on average,” says Shaw.
Building a customer base
Since launching, Shawton Energy has built an impressive client portfolio that includes educational institutions and household-name retailers. At Burnley College, Shawton Energy funded and installed rooftop solar to reduce both costs and emissions. Retailers such as Iceland and The Co-op are also working with Shawton Energy on rooftop solar solutions.
“We can support a single college site or a national retailer with hundreds of outlets. The principle is the same – fully funded, fully managed renewable assets that deliver value from day one,” Jamie says.
For many of these customers, the ability to proceed without upfront capex is decisive. “Budgets are tight, especially in the current climate,” Jamie notes. “If we can remove that investment barrier, it unlocks projects that would otherwise never happen. Our clients can benefit from renewable energy without tying up capital or taking on risk”
Reaching the influencers
As well as working directly with corporates, Shawton Energy is also seeking to build its profile among third party intermediaries (TPIs) and consultants who manage energy procurement for many of the UK’s largest energy consumers.
“These intermediaries are trusted advisors for big businesses,” Jamie explains. “If we can demonstrate to them that Shawton Energy offers a simple, fully funded route to renewables, they can bring those opportunities to their clients. It’s about making sure we’re on their radar as a credible partner.”
To strengthen this approach, Shawton Energy recently appointed James Williams, an experienced energy advisor and TPI, to support both direct and indirect sales. With his background in the TPI community, Jamie brings insight into how TPIs operate and how Shawton Energy can best align its model with their needs.
“James understands how brokers think and what their clients are looking for,” Jamie notes. “Having him on the team gives us a bridge into that world, so we can communicate our proposition more effectively and build stronger relationships.”
The challenges businesses face
The case for renewables may be strong, but Jamie acknowledges that businesses still face challenges. Energy prices remain volatile, ESG scrutiny is intensifying, and regulatory requirements are tightening. “We hear from clients that they feel squeezed from every direction,” he says. “They know they need to decarbonise, but they also need to control costs and protect operations.”
This is where Shawton Energy sees its model adding value. By providing predictable, long-term pricing through PPAs, the company helps organisations manage volatility while delivering emissions reductions. If you can’t have onsite renewable energy using a PPA for a renewable energy project elsewhere means that all types of firms from SMEs to large corporates and public sector are able to meaningfully decarbonise their operations.
“Net zero isn’t just about environmental responsibility,” Jamie argues. “It’s about resilience. If you can produce your own renewable power at a fixed cost, you’re less exposed to market shocks.”
Looking beyond solar
While solar PV is currently Shawton Energy’s main focus, the company is already exploring opportunities in other areas of decentralised energy. Battery storage, demand-side response, and alternative generation technologies are all on the radar.
“Solar is the anchor, because it’s proven and scalable,” Jamie explains. “But the future is about integrated solutions. We see opportunities to combine solar with storage, EV charging, and smart flexibility services. That’s where the market is heading.”
Shawton Energy’s model – funded, in-house, and turnkey – is designed to adapt. “Our job is to stay one step ahead,” Jamie says. “We’re constantly looking at what technologies and market structures will deliver the best value for customers over the next decade.”
Ambition and impact
For Jamie, the ultimate goal is not just commercial success but driving real progress towards the UK’s net-zero ambitions. “We want to be the enabler that helps businesses make the transition,” he says. “If we can remove barriers and make renewables easy, then adoption will accelerate – and that benefits everyone.”
The company is ambitious about its growth trajectory. With Lazard’s backing and a growing track record of successful projects, Shawton Energy aims to become a leading player in the UK’s decentralised energy sector.
But Jamie insists that the focus will remain on simplicity. “Our message is the same now as it was when we started,” he concludes. “We fund it, we install it, we manage it. The customer gets renewable energy without the hassle. That’s what Shawton Energy is all about.”
For further information: hello@shawton.co.uk
