UrbanChain and SoWatt scale AI-optimised private energy market model with landmark 15-year AMPYR Distributed Energy solar PPA

UrbanChain, the clean energy technology company operating Europe’s first private energy market, has signed a 15-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AMPYR Distributed Energy, a leading investor in onsite renewable energy, for the offtake of surplus export power from its UK solar installations.

The agreement, originated and structured by UrbanChain’s partner SoWatt, marks a significant step in scaling private, traceable renewable energy supply for corporate customers, while providing long-term, bankable revenue certainty for generators.

The deal covers an initial volume of 3GWh of clean energy in its first year, with scope to grow as the AMPYR Distributed Energy portfolio continues to expand.

Through their partnership, UrbanChain connects generation from AMPYR Distributed Energy’s assets directly with SoWatt’s customers, which removes intermediaries, reduces costs, and matches supply and demand intelligently based on usage profiles, pricing targets, and grid proximity.

Structured through UrbanChain’s eChain platform, the deal enables half-hourly matching of solar generation directly with corporate demand, aligning supply with real-world consumption patterns. Under a pay-as-received model, any unmatched generation is fully offtaken by UrbanChain, ensuring continuity of revenue for AMPYR Distributed Energy and security of supply for customers.

The 15-year structure, with built-in pricing protections including cap-and-collar mechanisms, balances long-term stability with flexibility, creating a framework that supports investment in distributed energy assets while shielding customers from wholesale market volatility.

Crucially, the transaction demonstrates how UrbanChain’s growing partner network is enabling deals to be originated and executed at scale. Alongside the AMPYR Distributed Energy agreement, UrbanChain has formalised its partnership with SoWatt, which will act as a commercial intermediary to originate similar private market arrangements for businesses across the UK.

“This partnership represents an important step in our strategy to build and operate high-quality distributed energy assets backed by long-term contracted revenues. By providing greater certainty over the value of the energy we export, it supports continued investment in onsite renewable generation while delivering attractive long-term returns. At the same time, access to an innovative digital marketplace broadens our reach to new customers, helping us maximise the value of the clean energy we produce and accelerate the transition to a more resilient, decentralised energy system.”

John Behan, CEO of AMPYR Distributed Energy

“UrbanChain is scaling faster than ever - doubling volume, expanding into EV charging, data centres and long-term private energy markets.

“We’re proving that the future of clean power isn’t about selling supply, it’s about building connected systems that work for everyone. Our growth model - working with partners like SoWatt - lets us scale rapidly while solving more customer problems, from cost and carbon to traceability and resilience. This is what the next generation of energy companies looks like.”

Charlie Parry, Chief Development Officer at UrbanChain

“We are delighted to be partnering with AMPYR Distributed Energy, who are a key player in the UK energy market and continue to build a high quality portfolio of onsite generation assets.

“UrbanChain’s platform plays a key role, enabling a far more direct connection between generation and demand, which is fundamental to making this type of structure work at scale.

“Bringing these elements together is where SoWatt adds value. By structuring the commercial framework and aligning the right partners, we are able to create a model that delivers for both generators and end users. It is a strong example of how the market is evolving and one we are looking to build on.”

Henry Fordham, Director at SoWatt

Headquartered in Manchester, UrbanChain is backed by Eurazeo, Innovate UK, and the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, having raised around £20 million to date. Its renewable energy operating system supports businesses, infrastructure operators and local authorities to access clean, affordable power while reducing exposure to wholesale price volatility.

As UrbanChain expands its network of private energy markets, it is continuing to partner with developers, intermediaries and energy suppliers to scale access to cleaner, smarter and more resilient power systems across the UK.