Powering Arden Energy's digital innovation for smarter grid technology
The client
Arden Energy is an electricity supplier based in Dublin. Established in 2015, the company helps businesses across multiple sectors, including leisure, manufacturing, food and beverage, technology, and retail to reduce costs and improve efficiency through innovative digital energy services.
Dedicated to sustainability, they buy 100% renewable electricity from companies, communities, and homes throughout Ireland who generate their own electricity from solar, wind, hydro or biomass.
The challenge
Arden Energy wanted to enhance its digital capabilities and introduce advanced smart grid functions to improve the customer experience and efficiency of their services. This required investment in new technology, including online platforms and specialised software to automate demand responses.
Alongside the digital advancements, the project required additional head count, which meant the business needed a funding solution that could support both tangible and intangible assets. This had to be undertaken quickly to keep their momentum uninterrupted, as the firm had new candidates lined up and had already begun the software developments.
The solution
Close Brothers Commercial Finance provided a GSLS Green Loan to fund the project.
The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS), offered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), benefits from a guarantee provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, with support from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
The scheme provides SMEs with long-term financing to either encourage the growth and resilience of their enterprise or invest in climate action and environmental sustainability measures designed to improve their performance.
Fergal Purcell, Director at Arden Energy, said:
“The process was straightforward and smooth thanks to the expertise and support from Close Brothers Commercial Finance. Their understanding of our sector and commitment to sustainability gave us confidence at every stage. With funding released quickly, we can move forward to deliver innovative digital solutions that are smarter and greener for our customers.”
Darren Robinson, Sales Director at Close Brothers Commercial Finance, said:
“Arden’s vision for digital smart grid capability is exactly the kind of innovation we want to back. The GSLS structure let us move quickly and fund both tangible and intangible investment, so the team could hire, build, and deploy without losing pace.”
The result
With funding secured, the company is delivering its project, creating new jobs and developing digital platforms that will transform energy management.
These advancements will help Arden Energy's clients participate in demand response schemes, optimise electricity use, and reduce costs, all while supporting Ireland’s transition to a greener future.
By partnering with Close Brothers Commercial Finance, the business has strengthened its position as a dynamic, forward-thinking energy provider committed to renewable solutions and innovation.
