By Powering Innovation Through Global Synergy
In an ever-evolving energy sector, the push for innovation has never been more critical. The need to transition toward sustainable energy solutions requires not only fresh ideas but also the ability to scale and implement them on a global level. However, for startups that aim to disrupt the energy landscape, success hinges on more than just having a revolutionary technology or idea. It involves collaboration, pilot testing, and gaining access to the right networks. This is where Free Electrons, a global innovation program, accelerates the journey from idea to impact by connecting promising clean-tech startups with major global utilities.
One of Free Electrons’ most notable benefits is its facilitation of pilot testing opportunities. Startups engage directly with utilities to validate their technologies in real-world environments, which allows them to refine their solutions based on actual feedback and needs. For instance, thanks to the program, over $80 million has been provided in investments, deployments and deals, showcasing the financial and strategic growth opportunities available to participants1.
Applications for the 2025 edition are now open, offering any startup the potential to partner with some of the largest utilities in the world such as CLP, EDP, ESB, E.ON, Hydro Québec, Jera, and Origin Energy. By engaging in pilot projects, startups can fine-tune their technologies to meet the evolving demands of the energy sector. The program’s structure not only helps startups gain market validation but also strengthens their business strategies by working closely with industry experts.
By fostering these direct partnerships, Free Electrons is not only helping startups gain vital market validation but also pushing the energy sector toward the next wave of transformative solutions. In the following section, we will explore the stories of alumni who have taken full advantage of this collaboration, accelerating their innovations and establishing lasting impact within the global energy industry.
Free Electrons Alumni Successful Showcases
Naked Energy, a UK-based startup and part of the 2023 Free Electrons cohort, specialises in advanced hybrid solar panels designed to boost efficiency in both electricity and thermal energy generation. Their flagship products, VirtuPVT and VirtuHOT, integrate photovoltaic and thermal systems in a single installation, allowing buildings to produce up to four times more energy than traditional PV systems2. This dual functionality makes their technology especially suitable for urban areas with limited space.
Through Free Electrons, Naked Energy began collaborating with E.ON to integrate its innovative technology into sustainable energy solutions. Recently, the startup secured £2.5 million in Series B funding, further strengthening its growth and contribution to sustainable energy transitions3.
Granular Energy, a UK-based technology startup and the elected startup of the year at the Free Electrons 2023 cohort, is pioneering the optimisation of energy systems through advanced data analytics and AI, with a strong focus on the renewable sector. Their sophisticated algorithms enhance grid efficiency, improve resource management, and reduce operational costs, empowering both utilities and consumers to track energy sources in real time. This transparency supports sustainable choices and the shift toward greener energy systems.
At the forefront of the global net-zero movement, Granular Energy collaborates with industry leaders like ESB, CLP, E.ON, and Jera to enhance renewable energy integration and grid reliability. Through its partnership with ESB, Granular is implementing a pilot that allows consumers to monitor their renewable energy usage, aligning with ESB’s decarbonisation goals4. In Hong Kong, the collaboration with CLP focuses on optimising grid performance through advanced analytics, crucial for addressing urban energy demands and advancing CLP’s sustainability strategy5. Similarly, Granular Energy’s partnership with E.ON in the UK provides businesses with insights into energy sourcing, enabling informed decisions that prioritise sustainability6. In Japan, their alliance with Jera leverages AI-driven analytics to enhance grid resilience and reduce operational costs while supporting Japan’s renewable energy objectives7. Collectively, these partnerships represent a unified effort to drive the energy transition toward a greener future, showcasing Granular Energy’s commitment to innovative, data-driven solutions that shape a sustainable tomorrow.
Formerly known as Adaptricity, Secure Meters Limited is a Switzerland-based leader in energy management and smart grid technology, transforming solutions for utilities and smart cities. As part of the 2018 Free Electrons cohort, they developed their core platform—a cloud-based system that enables utilities to enhance grid performance through real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, and better renewable integration.
Recently, Secure Meters launched a major partnership with CLP to modernize electricity distribution in Hong Kong. By deploying their platform, this collaboration boosts grid efficiency and reliability while supporting renewable integration. This collaboration has not only addressed the complexities of urban energy management but also highlighted Secure Meters’ dedication to enhancing operational reliability and sustainability in the energy sector8. While their participation in the Free Electrons program opened many valuable networking opportunities, this achievement reflects their hard world and the connections established during the program.
Inspiring the Next Wave of Energy Solutions
The innovative advancements showcased by Naked Energy, Granular Energy, and Adaptricity illustrate the potential of startups to drive meaningful change in the energy sector. These companies show how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology can optimize energy systems, enhance sustainability, and improve efficiency.
By learning from their experiences and engaging with initiatives like the Free Electrons program, aspiring entrepreneurs can unlock valuable opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable future. To delve deeper into the transformative work of these startups and explore how the Free Electrons program supports such innovations, we invite you to visit our Free Electrons website!
References Cited:
1 (“FREE ELECTRONS: Innovating to power communities around the world.” ESB.ie (October, 22 2021) Retrieved from: https://esb.ie/media-centre-news/blog/article/esb/2021/10/21/free-electrons-innovating-to-power-communities-around-the-world-)
2 (“And the winner is…VirtuPVT.” Naked Energy, Nakes Energy Retrieved from https://nakedenergy.com/pressreleases/sfux3cfunpf6vuxreqprmdflx93q8b)
3 Naked Energy. (2023). Naked Energy announces Series B first close. Retrieved from https://nakedenergy.com/pressreleases/naked-energy-announces-series-b-first-close
4 Granular Energy. (2023). ESB announces pilot with Granular Energy. Retrieved from https://www.granular-energy.com/insights/esb-announces-pilot-with-granular-energy
5 CLP Group. (2023). Sustainability report 2023. Retrieved from https://sustainability.clpgroup.com/en/2023/serving-our-stakeholders/customers
6 npower business solutions. (n.d.). Granular Energy. Retrieved from https://npowerbusinesssolutions.com/resources/granularenergy#
7 Jera. (2024). Information on partnership with Granular Energy. Retrieved from https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20241010_2033
8 Adaptricity. (2023). Adaptricity wins new client in Hong Kong. StartupTicker.ch. Retrieved from https://www.startupticker.ch/en/news/adaptricity-wins-new-client-in-hong-kong
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