Devon based clean energy company’s exports forecast at £125 million over next five years

Lisarb Energy, a company based in Barnstaple, North Devon, has successfully entered the Brazilian market with its solar energy solution. Over the last year the company’s exports have grown by 500%; it is now forecasting export sales of £125 million over the next five years.

Lisarb Energy started back in 2017 after founder, Jamie MacDonald-Murray, had been working in the construction sector. Jamie was motivated to use his business skills to develop long-term opportunities where he could make a positive impact through business activities that can help tackle climate change.

The company focused on Brazil as Jamie was familiar with its business environment. Brazil is also the largest market in Latin America and has a critical problem with its energy infrastructure. Jamie said:

“Historically, 70% of Brazil’s energy has come from hydroelectric power plants. While hydro is a renewable source of power, unfortunately there are increasing problems with these plants. 

Many of them are getting old and failing because of lack of investment; frequent droughts mean that water levels are often too low to generate sufficient power, and fundamentally, many hydro plants are in the wrong place – too far from where the energy is consumed. In practical terms, people and businesses are experiencing more frequent blackouts.”

The company is focusing its initial efforts on the distributed energy market in Brazil. By developing solar parks, Lisarb offers clean, renewable electricity to its customers, which include multinational companies that have high energy demand, but also, critically, strong balance sheets and good credit ratings.

Jamie said: 

“We really saw setting up Lisarb in the UK as key to being able to raise the finance we needed. Being a UK company and having the support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) has been the perfect springboard to start breaking into other markets. Portugal is also an attractive market and we are in the process of establishing a presence there.”

The company has been working with DIT since 2019 when Jamie attended one of the department’s energy conferences. At the event he was introduced to Gustavo Anacleto, who is now the company’s International Trade Adviser.

Jamie said:

“Gustavo has been absolutely superb in the support he has given us as part of the levelling up fund, and by providing us with access to other companies that work with DIT both in the UK and Brazil.

“We have also applied for research grants through DIT, which have enabled us to develop our offering.”

Jamie offered three pieces of advice to other businesses looking to export to Brazil:

“First, definitely seek help from DIT. Also, because the legal and tax systems are very complex in Brazil it can be worth getting a second opinion on any legal advice you take. Finally, it can make life a lot easier if you are able to enter the market as a joint venture.”

Gustavo said:

“It is very rewarding to see a South West company, which I have worked with closely, succeed in a market that isn't the easiest to break into on your own.

“The company's solutions will not only benefit residents by supplying them with a consistent energy source, but also the world in reducing carbon emissions through a greener energy alternative. 

“I am looking forward to continue working with Lisarb to help them enter more markets. I am confident they will go from strength to strength." 

To discuss your own export development options and find out more about the support available from DIT,  call 01275 370944, email ditsw@mobile.trade.gov.uk or visit www.great.gov.uk/advice

DIT’s services in the South West are delivered by Business West. For further information, click here.