Energy Firms to Sponsor UK Pavilion at COP31 in November

Kraken Technologies, National Grid, Octopus Energy, and SSE will lead the UK presence at the upcoming climate conference.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Energy

Isometric editorial illustration of wind turbine blades and solar panels, representing the global energy transition infrastructure featured at the COP31 conference.
Kraken Technologies, National Grid, Octopus Energy, and SSE will partner to sponsor the official UK Pavilion at the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Four energy companies will partner to host the official UK Pavilion at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, running from 9 to 20 November 2026. This collaboration between Kraken Technologies, National Grid, Octopus Energy, and SSE aims to showcase British climate innovation.

Why it matters

The sponsorship arrangement reduces costs for taxpayers while providing a platform to demonstrate how UK-led expertise facilitates the global energy transition. The Pavilion will feature various events to highlight national leadership in climate policy and technology.

Kraken Technologies manages 10 GW of energy flexibility and serves 90 million accounts, while Octopus Energy operates in 27 countries with an 11 million household base and a £7 billion renewables portfolio. Additionally, SSE has committed to a £33 billion investment plan.

The players

Katie White

She serves as the Minister for Climate Transition and oversaw the planning discussions with energy stakeholders.

Kraken Technologies

This technology firm is joining the COP Pavilion portfolio for the first time as an official partner.

National Grid

The utility provider has maintained a partnership with the UK Pavilion since COP26.

Octopus Energy

This energy company has served as a partner for the UK Pavilion since COP28.

SSE

The energy company has been a recurring partner for the UK Pavilion since the COP26 conference.

The details

Representatives from the four companies met with Minister for Climate Transition Katie White on 15 October 2026 to discuss collaborative efforts for the transition. The UK Pavilion will host roundtables, panel discussions, and receptions during the conference to present British advancements in energy technology.

Timeline

  1. 15 October 2026: Partners met with the Minister for Climate Transition.

  2. 9-20 November 2026: The COP31 conference takes place in Antalya, Türkiye.

The Big Picture

The partnership model for the UK Pavilion at COP31 continues the engagement strategy established at the COP26 climate conference. This approach aligns private sector energy expertise with national climate policy goals to demonstrate scalable solutions for the transition.

The collaboration highlights emerging energy management technologies that could eventually lead to more efficient grid operations and consumer energy services. These large-scale investments and operational reach signal potential future developments in renewable infrastructure and smart energy platforms.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights the growing role of private energy companies in supporting national climate policy through financial and technical contributions. Readers can track how these corporate commitments align with broader international climate targets set by global conferences.

What happens next

The UK Pavilion is scheduled to operate from 9 November 2026 through 20 November 2026 during the COP31 conference.

Further reading

For more on industry shifts, visit the Energy section.

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Should private companies sponsor government pavilions at international climate summits?