Free Electrons: 28 Pilots Already Launched between Startups and Utilities
2018年7月11日 - 6:00PM
JCN Newswire
Free Electrons, the first energy accelerator program that
connects the most promising energy startups with the world's
leading utility companies, wrapped on its second module with an
impressive total of 28 pilots running, and the final module in
Berlin to come.
The 2018 program opened with 30 startups invited to Bootcamp in
Lisbon, followed by Module 1 in Sydney / Melbourne, where we kicked
off 15 pilots between startups who qualified for the acceleration
phase and the utilities. Module 2 took place in Silicon Valley, the
global tech hub, and focused on growth and learning.
Module 2 featured sessions where utilities and startups met face to
face, and shared information about on-going pilots, key for
maximizing performance. Earlier, startups could have only one
pilot, but with this module they had the opportunity to work on
multiple pilots. Knowledge was exchanged and the playing field
opened up, for developing new relationships and opportunities.
The program also allowed for utilities to cooperate with each other
on pilots, which is unique, and for startups to work with more
utilities. Having gone through the learning curve with a utility
once, they were now able to scale and start other pilots much
faster.
SOLshare, already in an on-going blockchain-enabled pilot with
Innogy which enables donors to select individuals or group users
(like a village), is preparing a second pilot with TEPCO, to
develop and field-test technology for enhancing data from DC
microgrids. Verv is preparing another pilot with their home energy
assistant for ESB, who just completed a successful pilot with
Sterblue, and will soon be offering that solution, for monitoring
rural wind farms, to their customers in Australia.
"We wanted a safe, fast and accurate solution to inspect our wind
turbines, to minimize maintenance costs & generator downtime.
Sterblue were super-accommodating of all our requirements," says
John McKiernan, Head of External Collaboration at ESB.
"Sometimes we find it easier to work with startups rather than
larger companies. They're flexible, enthusiastic and listen
intently to customer's needs. This program not only introduces us
to start-ups we would not otherwise have met, but its a tremendous
catalyst for accelerating change and innovation at ESB."
The third day represented one of the module's high notes with the
Level-Up Energy Innovation event, which presented the Free Electron
participants to the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Each of the 15
startups were given the opportunity to showcase their solutions to
an audience comprised of Silicon Valley investors and tech
experts.
The module closed on a high note with the final tally that included
13 new pilots, which had been defined during the preceding week,
and an overview of the roadmap ahead, towards the final module and
closing stage in Berlin.
"Naming this program Free Electrons says a lot about the utilities'
shared perspective and view regarding the evolution of power and
energy industry and markets around the world," says Luis Manuel,
Executive Board Member at EDP Innovation.
"Electricity as a commodity will tend to lose value over time, so
we need to develop new business models and services to add value
for our shareholders, and they will certainly revolve around
digital, data and data management."
The Free Electrons Program
This year the program received 515 applications from 65 different
countries, a testament to the global reach of the initiative. After
a selection process that culminated in April with the Lisbon
Bootcamp, 15 startups qualified for the acceleration phase. The
final stage, which closes the program, will take place in Berlin in
October.
The three international modules are the cornerstone of Free
Electrons, during which the program participants will work closely
with local players, utilities, mentors and other resources in order
to accelerate their company's growth.
The utilities backing Free Electrons are leading innovation in the
energy sector. This project embodies their commitment to work with
startups in building the future of the sector with clean, smart and
widely accessible energy.
The Free Electrons members are American Electric Power (USA),
AusNet Services (Australia), CLP (Hong Kong), DEWA (Dubai), EDP
(Portugal), ESB (Ireland), Innogy (Germany), Origin Energy
(Australia), SP Group (Singapore) and TEPCO (Japan). The program is
supported by Beta-i (Portugal).
About Free Electrons
The Free Electrons Program is the premier opportunity for startups
in the energy space to grow and develop their businesses. The
energy market has experienced rapid change with the rise of
renewables, decentralization of the energy system, regulatory
uncertainties and disruptive new technologies. To stay ahead,
utilities must source more innovation externally and consider
'beyond utilities' business models. More at
www.freetheelectron.com.
About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. is the largest utility
in Japan, serving millions of homes and businesses. Worldwide the
company has more than 34 subsidiaries and 32 affiliates in 8
countries and employs approximately 42,060 people. Consolidated
revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, totalled 5.8
trillion Japanese yen. TEPCO was established in 1951 and is listed
(TSE:9501) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Please visit
www.tepco.co.jp.
Source: TEPCO
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