'More Light, More Power, More Gridcog'

At Gridcog, we're always on the lookout for opportunities to merge innovation with sustainability. So, when we recently moved our UK team to a new office in London, we were thrilled to discover the rich history behind our new location.

Nestled within the vibrant streets of Shoreditch, our new office building holds a unique past—one that speaks volumes about the intersection of progress and sustainability. Once a bustling power station, this historic edifice served as a beacon of innovation in its time, harnessing the potential of refuse to generate electricity for the local community.

The exterior of once a local power station, now our new office location.

The story of our new home dates back to the late 19th century when the Shoreditch Vestry embarked on a pioneering venture to address the growing demand for electricity while tackling the challenge of municipal refuse disposal. Recognising the potential of electricity as the fuel of the future, the Vestry took decisive action to establish a combined 'dust destructor' and electricity generating station.

What emerged was a visionary project that not only provided power to the community but also integrated essential public amenities, including baths, a washhouse, a library and a museum. The station's waste heat even contributed to heating the public baths—an ingenious example of resource efficiency ahead of its time.

The Shoreditch Refuse Destructor and Generator Station opened its doors in June 1897 and quickly became a symbol of progress and civic pride, showcasing the remarkable synergy between scientific knowledge, engineering prowess and community vision.

But the station's legacy didn't end there. It set a precedent for municipal electrification across the country, inspiring similar projects in other boroughs and paving the way for widespread access to electricity. Shoreditch's commitment to innovation extended beyond electricity generation, with initiatives like municipal housing illuminated by electric light—a testament to the borough's dedication to improving the lives of its residents.

An original piece of the power station remains on the first floor of our building, showing the motto "More Light, More Power"

As the decades passed, our new home continued to evolve, adapting to changing technologies and societal needs. From pioneering rental wiring schemes to the establishment of modern electricity showrooms, Shoreditch remained at the forefront of municipal service provision, enriching the lives of its inhabitants through accessible, sustainable energy.

Today, as Gridcog sets up shop in this historic building, we pay homage to its illustrious past while embracing its spirit of innovation and sustainability. Our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to net-zero aligns seamlessly with the ethos of our new home. Just as the Shoreditch Vestry once envisioned a future powered by innovation and community spirit, Gridcog continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, driving towards a cleaner, smarter tomorrow.

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My journey learning about the energy industry

As the product lead my role is to understand both the business’s needs and our customers’ needs, and work with everyone in the business to plan and implement improvements to the platform. But this is my first time working in the energy industry.