Dale Vince Biography Dale Vince OBE born 29 August 1961 is a British entrepreneur and green energy pioneer, best known for founding the renewable energy company Ecotricity. Originally from Norfolk, Vince was once a New Age traveller before venturing into the energy industry. In 1995, he established the Renewable Energy Company, and in 1996, he launched his first wind turbine, marking the beginning of his commitment to sustainable energy. Vince is also known for developing artificial diamonds by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and utilizing renewable energy sources in the process.
Dale Vince Biography
Dale Vince, a self-made multi-millionaire and environmental advocate, has transformed from a New Age traveller into one of the UK’s leading green entrepreneurs. At 60, Vince’s net worth is estimated at £211 million, a figure poised to grow following the sale of his renewable energy company, Ecotricity. His journey is one of innovation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Dale Vince Biography Details
| Born | 29 August 1961 (age 63) Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England |
| Occupation | Energy industrialist |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Known for | Owner of Ecotricity; chairman/owner of Forest Green Rovers |
| Spouses | Kathleen Wyatt (m. 1981; div. 1992) Kate Lane |
| Children | 3 |
| Category | Biography |
About Dale Vince
Dale Vince OBE is a British green energy industrialist. A former New Age traveller, he is the owner of the electricity company Ecotricity. Born in Norfolk, he founded the Renewable Energy Company in 1995 and launched his first wind turbine in 1996.
- Born: 29 August 1961 (age 63 years), Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Kathleen Wyatt (m. 1981–1992), Kate Vince
- Children: Dane Vince
- Education: University of Staffordshire
Early Life and Career
Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Vince was the second of three children in a family that ran a haulage business. He left school at 15 and spent several years as a New Age traveller. Vince became politically active in the 1980s, notably occupying RAF Molesworth to protest against the U.S. Air Force’s decision to base nuclear-armed missiles there, and participating in the Battle of the Beanfield during the Stonehenge controversy in the mid-1980s.
Vince’s interest in renewable energy was sparked in 1991 when he visited his first wind farm. Inspired by the experience, he decided to pursue large-scale wind energy projects, founding the Renewable Energy Company in 1995. His first wind turbine launched in 1996, marking the beginning of his venture into the green energy sector.
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Divorce and Financial Claim Court Case
Years after accumulating his wealth, Wyatt filed a financial claim against Vince in 2011, seeking £1.9 million, despite the divorce being nearly 20 years prior. She described her life post-divorce as one of “real hardship.” The Court of Appeal initially rejected the claim in 2011, ruling it had “no real prospect of success” and was an “abuse of process.” However, in March 2015, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, ruling that there was no time limit for financial claims and allowing the case to proceed in the High Court.
While the court acknowledged the contributions both parties made to the welfare of the family, it noted that the claim had a “comparatively modest” chance of success and that a £1.9 million payout was unlikely. Vince expressed frustration with the court’s decision, calling it “mad” and stating that people should be able to move on from past relationships. Before the case was settled, Vince covered the legal costs for both parties, totaling over £500,000, as allowed by divorce law.
From Traveller to Tycoon: The Birth of Ecotricity
In the early 1990s, while travelling through Gloucestershire, Dale Vince discovered Stroud, a place that inspired him to settle and begin a journey that would reshape the UK’s renewable energy landscape. In 1995, he founded Ecotricity, starting with a single wind turbine. The company has since grown significantly, supplying renewable energy to around 200,000 homes and businesses across the country. With a turnover of £300 million, Ecotricity remains a key player in the green energy sector, operating wind parks in locations such as Dundee, Bristol Port, Ballymena, Swindon, and Cardiff.
Expanding the Green Vision
Vince’s entrepreneurial reach extends beyond energy. In 2011, he launched the Electric Highway, Britain’s first nationwide electric vehicle charging network, revolutionizing sustainable transport. His commitment to innovation also led to the creation of Sky Diamond, a company that produces diamonds using carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere, demonstrating his commitment to reducing carbon emissions across industries.
Forest Green Rovers: The World’s Greenest Football Club
As chairman of Forest Green Rovers, Dale Vince has redefined the intersection of sports and sustainability. Under his leadership, the football club became the world’s first all-vegan football team and boasts a stadium, New Lawn, that is recognized as the greenest in the world. The venue features solar panels, rainwater collection, and biofuels from waste products. Vince is also spearheading the development of a new eco-friendly stadium, Eco Park, which will include sustainable facilities such as indoor and outdoor pitches, a hotel, a care home, and plenty of parking.
Political Involvement and Advocacy
Vince’s commitment to environmental sustainability has extended into the political sphere. Over the years, he has supported both the Labour Party and the Green Party, working to influence environmental policies in the UK. With the sale of Ecotricity on the horizon, Vince is contemplating a deeper involvement in politics, which could significantly impact sustainable governance.
Honors and Recognition
Vince’s contributions to sustainability and the renewable energy sector have earned him widespread recognition. In 2004, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the environment and electricity industry. In 2013, the University of Gloucestershire awarded him an honorary PhD in acknowledgment of his pioneering efforts in sustainability.
Personal Life and Net Worth 2025
Vince’s estimated net worth of £211 million encompasses his interests in 46 active companies spanning renewable energy, mobile services, banking, and innovative ventures like Sky Diamond. With the anticipated sale of Ecotricity, his fortune is expect to rise. Further cementing his position as one of the UK’s most influential green entrepreneurs.
A Portfolio of Sustainability
Dale Vince’s business ventures go far beyond Ecotricity. He is actively involve in several initiatives that promote sustainability, including:
- Ecotalk: A mobile phone service focused on sustainability.
- Ecobank: A private bank supporting sustainable finance.
- Renewable UK: Advancing renewable energy projects nationwide.
- Microtricity: Specializing in microgeneration energy solutions.
These efforts highlight his commitment to shaping a sustainable future across diverse sectors.
The Future of Green Innovation
Dale Vince’s remarkable journey from New Age traveller to leading green industrialist showcases that economic success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Through Ecotricity and his other ventures, Vince has proven that innovation can drive sustainability. As he moves toward new challenges, including potential political involvement, his legacy as a trailblazer in renewable energy remains strong. His work continues to inspire those seeking to balance innovation with environmental stewardship.