Award-Winning Energy Optimisation at Palm Paper

Turning energy flexibility into commercial value

Palm Paper operates one of the UK's largest paper manufacturing facilities, with significant electricity demand supported by an onsite Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant.

Like many energy-intensive manufacturers, the site's priority is maintaining safe, reliable and efficient production. As electricity markets became increasingly dynamic, however, there was an opportunity to unlock additional value from the flexibility already available onsite.

The challenge was finding a way to connect operational decision-making with commercial opportunities without disrupting production or adding complexity for site teams.

Palm Paper needed a partner that understood both the realities of running a major industrial facility and the opportunities presented by modern energy markets.

Bringing trading and operations together

Brook Green Supply's relationship with Palm Paper began as an electricity supply partnership before expanding to include Capacity Market participation, Demand Side Response services and export trading.

As the partnership evolved, it became clear that even greater value could be realised by optimising how the site's CHP plant and electricity demand responded to changing market conditions.

Working closely with Palm Paper's operational teams, Brook Green Supply developed a coordinated optimisation approach that combines market expertise with real-time operational visibility.

Using existing metering, control systems and onsite data, shared dashboards translate market signals into clear operational actions. This enables Palm Paper to optimise CHP operation and electricity consumption when opportunities arise, increasing imports during lower-priced periods and maximising exports when market conditions are favourable.

Rather than competing with production priorities, the optimisation strategy works alongside them, helping the site respond to market opportunities while maintaining operational performance.

Creating an award-winning energy model

Through its long-term partnership with Brook Green Supply, Palm Paper has transformed the way it manages its energy assets.

The site has evolved from being primarily an energy consumer into an active participant in electricity markets, using operational flexibility to support both commercial performance and wider grid stability.

The partnership has delivered:

• A more strategic approach to CHP optimisation.
• Improved coordination between operational and trading teams.
• Greater participation in flexibility and electricity market opportunities.
• Additional commercial value from existing energy assets.
• Enhanced support for a more flexible, renewable electricity system.

The success of the collaboration was recognised nationally when Brook Green Supply and Palm Paper won Best Industrial & Commercial Initiative at the Utility Week Flex Awards. The judges recognised the innovative approach to combining onsite generation, energy demand and market participation into a single optimisation strategy.

Today, the partnership continues to evolve as new market opportunities emerge. By combining operational expertise with market insight, Brook Green Supply is helping Palm Paper maximise the value of its energy assets while supporting a more flexible and resilient electricity system.