Welch Group Partners with Optimo Energy to Unlock Flexibility Revenue from Fleet Electrification

Welch Group, a leading UK logistics operator, today announced a strategic partnership with Optimo Energy to deploy advanced energy management solutions across its depot network. The partnership will enable Welch Group to participate in flexibility and wider energy markets while scaling electric vehicle operations without costly grid upgrades.

Through Optimo Energy’s platform, Welch Group will orchestrate charging, battery storage and onsite solar generation to minimise energy costs and generate additional revenue by providing flexibility services to the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

The partnership positions Welch Group’s charging infrastructure as an active participant in the GB energy system, responding to grid signals while ensuring operational vehicles are always ready for dispatch.

“Fleet electrification has to stack up commercially from day one, and that means going beyond just avoiding diesel costs,” said Jamie Sands, Head of Solutions at Welch Group. “Our partnership with Optimo unlocks a completely new revenue stream through flexibility markets. When our trucks are parked and charging overnight, we’re now getting paid to help balance the grid. Optimo’s forecasting engine gives us confidence that we can participate in demand response without ever compromising our operational readiness.”

The collaboration addresses a critical challenge facing logistics operators: the upfront cost and grid connection constraints that can delay or derail electrification projects. By combining intelligent load management with market participation, the partnership demonstrates a financially viable pathway to fleet electrification at scale.

“Commercial fleet operators are sitting on one of the most valuable flexibility assets in the energy system, but until now they’ve had no way to monetise it without risking their core operations,” said Daniel Homoki-Farkas, CEO and Co-Founder of Optimo Energy. “Our platform is purpose-built for the realities of depot operations. Welch Group shares our vision that EVs aren’t just transport assets, they’re distributed energy resources, and this partnership proves the commercial model works.”

Optimo Energy is a registered provider under the NESO Demand Flexibility Service, enabling fleet operators to participate in demand response programmes and dynamic grid services. The company is also in the final stages of accession to the Balancing Mechanism, Capacity Market, and wholesale energy trading.