UK clean energy provider Green Energy UK has today launched two new tariffs designed to allow customers to distinguish between genuinely zero carbon energy and low carbon energy from biomass or combined heat and power (CHP) generators.

The company said its Deep Green tariff would offer customers energy from zero carbon sources such as solar, hydro and wind-powered projects, while its Pale Green tariff would provide customers with a "cocktail" of low-carbon " green electricity", predominantly from CHP sources.

It added that while this "Pale Green" energy would result in some carbon emissions, the enhanced energy efficiency of CHP systems or use of biomass as the primary fuel source meant it would emit about 65 per cent less carbon than the national average for energy production.

"All customers of Green Energy UK contribute to reducing the impact of their electricity use on the environment," said Doug Stewart, Green Energy UK chief executive and co-founder. "[But] with Deep Green and Pale Green, we are giving customers greater choice and making green electricity more accessible."

In addition to the new tariffs, the company also launched a promotion that will see new customers offered 400 shares each in the company.

Stewart said that the offer would allow shareholders to attend the company's annual general meeting and contribute to the development of the business, as well as provide them with an additional incentive to opt for green energy.