Carb0n accelerates UK real estate energy transition with Gridcog

Explore how Carb0n is helping UK real estate portfolios reduce energy costs, increase net operating income, and future-proof assets using Gridcog’s energy project modelling software.

Peter Massie, Head of UK at Carb0n, has built the UK business around a clear mission. His goal is to bring European expertise in the energy transition to the GB market and deliver actionable solutions for real estate owners and operators. In his words, Carb0n is about reducing demand, creating value for clients, and future-proofing assets through smart energy solutions.

Bringing European Expertise to the UK Market

Carb0n is a ‘turnkey’ clean energy partner for real estate, working with institutional investors and asset managers to improve the financial and environmental performance of real estate portfolios. Their approach spans from portfolio-level strategy and ESG due diligence to energy auditing, retrofit development, full project delivery and energy management.

“What sets us apart is that we guarantee the performance of what we deliver,” says Peter.

After successfully operating in France for several years, Carb0n launched in the UK in January 2025. The UK market presented a unique opportunity to accelerate their roadmap, particularly around battery storage, demand flexibility, and solar integration.

The Challenge of Unlocking Value from Batteries and Solar

For UK real estate assets, the biggest challenge is making decentralised energy systems economically viable while meeting fast changing regulatory requirements. Peter explains, “We wanted to understand how we could deploy battery storage across a range of real assets, from operational real estate, office and logistics and optimise energy flows to maximise value.”

“The UK regulatory environment is complex, and without the right tools, it is difficult to demonstrate the financial and operational impact to clients.”

While Carb0n had experience with energy modelling in Europe, the UK’s market rules and incentives around energy flexibility and battery arbitrage required specialist software. That is where Gridcog became essential.

How Gridcog Transformed Project Modelling

Carb0n partnered with Gridcog to model UK energy projects at the asset level, combining solar, battery storage, and demand flexibility in a single platform. Peter highlights the impact:

“Gridcog gave us the confidence to approach clients with concrete, data-driven solutions.”

Gridcog allowed the team to simulate complex scenarios that would have been extremely time-consuming to model manually. These included battery arbitrage, solar generation, and peak demand management. The software also helped translate technical outputs into financial insights for clients, making it easier to justify investment and explain results.

Project Highlight: Major Retail Asset in Southern England

Carb0n’s first UK project using Gridcog involved a high-traffic retail outlet owned by a major investment manager and operated by a leading outlet operator. This asset provided a rare opportunity because the landlord controlled the energy supply, centralising management and billing, which is unusual in the retail sector.

Peter explains the approach, “We developed a solution that combines 3.5 MW of solar car ports with a 4 MWh battery. The centralised energy control allowed us to create value for the landlord that would not have been possible if individual tenants managed their own supply.”

“The results have been remarkable. The solution is showing us how we could increase the landlord’s net operating income and IRR substantially by opening up difficult-to-model revenue streams for batteries. 

Gridcog’s modelling allowed the team to quantify the benefits, optimise asset performance, and demonstrate a clear business case for the client which future-proofs their asset. Peter continues, “This project is transformative in how we can demonstrate value in the UK market. It shows the real potential of combining solar, battery storage, and market optimisation.”

Delivering Results Across Asset Types

Beyond retail, Carb0n is exploring other asset classes where Gridcog can make a measurable impact. In operational real estate batteries are being aligned to peak grid demand, capturing savings without needing on-site generation. For operating the office sector, particularly all-electric buildings, energy optimisation is reducing utility costs while ensuring operational comfort. Peter explains: 

“Gridcog does not just model energy flows. It shows the complete revenue stack and operational impact. For clients who are not energy experts, this clarity is invaluable. It turns complex energy data into actionable insight, giving clients the confidence to invest.”

Why Carb0n Chose Gridcog

When Peter first encountered Gridcog, he was impressed by its depth and capability. 

“There is no other company that models the full revenue stack for battery arbitrage and energy flexibility like Gridcog.”

“Other solutions are more portfolio-focused, but we needed to get into the details at the asset level and test different scenarios. Gridcog allows us to do that.”

He also valued Gridcog’s international experience. “The team has worked in Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands, where grids are highly flexible and data-driven. That expertise translates directly to the UK market.” 

“It is not just about software; it is about the insights and experience behind it.”

Working with the Gridcog Team

Peter emphasises that the collaboration goes beyond software. “The Gridcog team has been exceptional. They listen, troubleshoot, and work alongside us. When we needed help integrating outputs into our internal scripts and financial models, they supported us every step of the way.” 

“It has been a true partnership, and that level of collaboration has been critical to our success.”

Currently, two members of the UK team use Gridcog regularly, refining projects and modelling scenarios for hotels and offices. The plan is to expand usage across the business into more geographies, as more projects progress from concept to implementation.

Looking Ahead: The Next 12 Months

The UK team is focused on bringing live deployments online and expanding the use of batteries without generation. Peter is particularly excited about proving the value of rethinking supply and demand for UK real estate: “Our next step is to take these projects live and monitor actual performance. Gridcog gives us the tools to simulate, predict, and demonstrate the financial benefits to clients before a single installation is made.”

He also sees Gridcog as a critical tool for ongoing client engagement. “By using Gridcog, we can show clients what is possible, quantify savings, and make a compelling business case. It is helping us change the conversation in the market about how real estate assets can manage energy.”

Reflections on Success

Peter reflects on the broader impact of Gridcog:

“Without Gridcog, we could not have delivered our first major UK project. Beyond the financial return, the software has given us credibility in the market. It has made us a voice of authority when discussing the energy transition with clients.”

“The qualitative benefits are immense. It is not just about modelling; it is about creating confidence, demonstrating opportunity, and accelerating market adoption of energy technologies.”

He adds that the software has strengthened the UK team’s capability, allowing them to take a blank canvas approach in the market and develop innovative solutions for clients. “Gridcog is a partner in our success, not just a tool.”

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Genna Boyle, CCO and Head of EMEA at Gridcog, said, “It has been fantastic to work alongside Peter as he brings Carb0n’s high-growth trajectory from Europe into the UK. It is awesome to see their early successes on some significant projects in the UK, and we are excited to continue growing with them as they accelerate the energy transition in the real estate sector using Gridcog.”

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If you’re a consultancy and interested in modelling energy projects faster, reach out to our team of industry experts today.

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Carb0n: https://carbon.green/en/

Peter Massie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermassie/

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