From Leaving School at 15 to Building Windmills: Dale Vince’s Journey from Founding Ecotricity, Transforming Football with Forest Green Rovers, and Pushing for Digital Democracy and Renewable Energy Independence
When it comes to challenging the system, few do it like Dale Vince. From dropping out of school at 15 to leading the green energy revolution in the UK, Vince’s journey has been anything but conventional. Founder of Ecotricity, and owner of the world’s first carbon-neutral football club, Forest Green Rovers, he’s a true maverick, shaking up how we think about energy, politics, and the planet. In this conversation, Dale set down with environmental activist Bella Lack to dig into his past as a rebel, his thoughts on green populism, and how we can reshape democracy to give young people a real voice.
Bella Lack is a rising star in the environmental world—an activist, writer, and speaker who’s all about tackling climate change and saving wildlife. As a youth ambassador for groups like Born Free and the Jane Goodall Institute, she uses her platform to get young people fired up about the planet. Her first book, The Children of the Anthropocene, shines a light on young climate warriors from across the globe. With her passion and drive, Bella’s become a key voice for Gen Z, challenging the system and pushing for real action on the climate crisis.
Breaking the Rules Early
"I was a rebel all my life... Leaving school felt like being let out of prison."
Dale Vince never played by the rules. As a teenager, he constantly questioned authority, refusing to follow the "just because" mentality of school rules. He left school at 15 with a set of O-levels and excelled in subjects like science and technology but felt confined by the school system, so he left as soon as he could and hit the road — literally. With only a £50 ambulance, he spent a decade living on the move, learning everything from food production to practical skills with New Age communities.
By the end of the 80s, Vince had a major epiphany. He realised he could either keep living off-grid or try to make a bigger impact. That’s when his focus shifted to something revolutionary—wind energy.
Forest Green Rovers: The World’s Greenest Football Club
"Football’s a great platform to showcase sustainability—it’s a game people love, and it can drive change."
When Dale Vince took over Forest Green Rovers, he turned it into the world’s first carbon-neutral football club. From banning meat at the stadium to running on renewable energy, Forest Green sets the standard for sustainability in sport. "If we can make football sustainable, we can make anything sustainable," Vince says.
The club’s eco-friendly pitch, plant-based menu, and organic kits prove you can go green without sacrificing performance. For Vince, football is the perfect way to show that sustainability can be mainstream and accessible.
The Rise of Green Populism
"Let’s borrow from the populists, but ditch the lies."
Vince is all about taking the best tricks from populists like Trump and Johnson—but for a good cause. He calls it "green populism," and it’s all about communicating the benefits of renewable energy in terms that hit home: jobs, cheaper bills, and energy independence. Forget the dry technical stuff.
"We own the wind and the sun," says Vince. "It’s right here, and it can make us independent." For him, it’s about reframing the green energy debate to appeal to everyday people—not just climate warriors.
Democracy is Broken—Can We Fix It?
"Everything else we do is on our phones—why can’t we vote on them too?"
Dale Vince has some bold ideas for making democracy actually work for people, especially young ones. According to him, the voting system is ancient, and it’s no wonder young people feel disconnected. Voting in person with pencil and paper? Outdated. His solution: digital voting through our phones. It would boost participation and get more voices heard, simple as that.
He’s also not ruling out referendums on major issues, giving people a direct say more often, instead of just every five years. “The more we engage people, the stronger our democracy can be.”
From Off-Grid Dreamer to Green Energy Pioneer
"I had no money, no experience, but I knew wind energy could change everything."
After 10 years of living off the grid, Vince set his sights on renewable energy. Despite having zero experience and no money, it took him just five years to build his first windmill. The gamble paid off. Vince went on to found Ecotricity, a company now leading the way in Britain’s renewable energy sector.
His mission? To make Britain 100% powered by green energy. But Vince doesn’t just want to build wind farms—he wants to change minds. By talking about the everyday benefits of renewables, like lower bills and new jobs, Vince believes we can make the green transition appealing to everyone.
Young People and Trust in Politics
"If we want a better democracy, young people need to be trusted and heard."
Vince sees a major problem with how young people are treated in politics. As Bella said, they feel often ignored or feel their only outlet is protest. But Vince believes young people are key to reshaping the future, and that starts with trust.
Through his "Just Vote" campaign, Vince is encouraging more young people to get involved, but he knows that voting alone won’t cut it. "It’s about creating a relationship, where young people feel their voices actually matter—and that takes time."
Final Thoughts
Dale Vince’s life is a lesson in breaking free from expectations and thinking big. Whether he’s challenging school rules, questioning the political system, or reshaping the energy landscape, his focus is always on creating meaningful change. As the climate crisis worsens and political engagement dips, Vince’s vision of green populism and a modern democracy is more relevant than ever.
His parting thought?
"We have the tools to create a better world, we just need to stop playing by the old rules."
Comments