Urgent Call to Action: School Leaders in Scotland and Wales – Seize the Moment to Lock in Green Energy Savings Before Policy Shifts Close the Door
The clock is ticking. The UK Treasury’s July 2025 decision to pause Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in England—classifying them as public debt and halting solar projects at over 25 schools—has sent a clear signal: act now to secure your school’s sustainable future. For schools in Scotland and Wales, where devolved powers keep PPAs and other green financing options open, this is a critical window to adopt renewable energy through PPAs, green loans, leases, and grants before UK-wide fiscal pressures potentially tighten the rules. Don’t wait—take decisive action today to safeguard your budget and planet for generations.
The Treasury’s pause has frozen Department for Education approvals in England, stalling millions in solar and renewable investments and threatening the UK’s net-zero goals. Community Energy England reports that while pre-approved projects may proceed, new PPAs face significant hurdles. In contrast, Scotland and Wales remain free from these restrictions—for now. With the Treasury’s oversight of national finances, experts warn that similar constraints could soon extend to devolved nations, driving an unprecedented surge in demand as proactive schools rush to lock in deals.
As a school leader, you face rising energy costs, ambitious net-zero targets, and the responsibility to model sustainability for students. Acting now can deliver immediate savings—up to 40% on electricity bills—while slashing carbon emissions, boosting EPC ratings, and creating STEM learning opportunities. Here’s your essential guide to the financing options fuelling this urgency:
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Lock in fixed-rate renewable energy for the long term with no upfront costs—ideal for rooftop solar but now at risk in England, underscoring the need to act swiftly.
- Green Loans and Leases: Secure low-interest funding from Scottish/Welsh governments or private lenders for upgrades like EV charging stations, battery storage, and insulation, transforming your school into an energy-efficient hub.
- Grants: Tap into programs like Great British Energy’s solar initiatives or Scotland’s 2025-26 Programme for Government, which prioritizes climate action and could deliver lifetime savings exceeding £140 million across UK schools.
“This isn’t just about going green—it’s about securing your school’s financial future,” says an education finance expert. “With energy prices volatile and net-zero deadlines approaching, delaying could mean missing out on transformative savings and educational benefits.”
The School Network Recommends: Partner with HDM Energies for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The School Network is proud to recommend HDM Energies, a pioneering force in fully funded solar solutions designed specifically for schools, to help you seize this opportunity with confidence. Launched in 2022, HDM Energies is a mission-driven clean energy innovator committed to making rooftop solar accessible for UK schools and SMEs. Their no-upfront-cost model empowers you to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and improve EPC ratings from day one, all while working toward an ambitious goal of deploying 2.5GW of solar by 2030. Picture your school saving up to 40% on electricity, powering EV chargers for staff or the community, and even generating new income through public charging services.
As part of the HDM group, alongside HDM Solar—the UK’s fastest-growing renewables distributor—HDM Energies offers unmatched expertise, accessing high-quality solar products at competitive prices and a nationwide network of trusted installers for seamless, end-to-end support. Their proven success spans sports clubs, leisure centres, office blocks, and industrial sites, with a pipeline of English school projects temporarily paused pending DfE clarity on PPAs. A typical 100kW system delivers £6,000 in first-year savings, over £200,000 across 15 years, 20 tons of annual carbon reductions, and a one-band EPC uplift. With £100 million in secured funding—enough to install 125MW of solar and support over 1,000 schools and SMEs—HDM Energies eliminates financial barriers, making green energy viable even for schools with limited roof space.
“The benefits of solar are undeniable, but upfront costs can stop schools in their tracks,” says Dave Roberts, Managing Director of HDM Energies. “We founded HDM Energies to deliver immediate financial and environmental wins from month one, even for smaller setups. While we’re working with the DfE to resolve delays in England, PPAs remain open for privately funded schools and those in Scotland and Wales—act now to secure these benefits.”
HDM Energies envisions solar—paired with batteries and EV chargers—as a cornerstone of every school’s sustainability and financial strategy. By leveraging roof space, you reduce grid strain, preserve land, and inspire students through hands-on STEM opportunities. Their innovative “Energy for All” PPA locks in fixed-rate electricity for 10-25 years with zero upfront cost, starting from systems as small as 30kWp. Plus, EV chargers can be included at no initial cost, offering free staff access or revenue-generating public use, positioning your school as a community energy leader.
Your Next Steps: Act Now
School leaders, this is your moment. Contact HDM Energies at info@hdmenergies.co.uk for a no-obligation consultation or visit government funding portals to explore eligibility. As one Scottish headteacher put it, “England’s pause is our wake-up call. We’re acting now to ensure our pupils benefit from clean, affordable energy for decades.”
For further information contact:
Dave Roberts, Managing Director
HDM Energies
Email: info@hdmenergies.co.uk
Website: hdmenergies.co.uk
Don’t delay—visit hdmenergies.co.uk or reach out today to secure your school’s sustainable future. The time to act is now.
