The Free Electrons programme, which aims to accelerate the clean energy transition, connects innovative startups with energy utilities from around the globe.

Now in its seventh edition, Free Electrons has led to over 150 pilot programmes, US$30 million (NZ$48 million) in deployments, and US$30 million in direct investment – more than US$80 million in total (NZ$128 million) since its inception in 2017.

The Kiwi companies were up against hundreds of others vying for a place amongst 30 finalists taking part in the programme’s first round in Dublin next week. Subsequent modules are held in Sydney and Mumbai, where 15 eventual winners will receive a US$200,000 prize as well as additional opportunities.

Kiwi finalist, Grid Share, uses data centres to provide energy demand management services. Founder Sam Kivi says they have already had interest in their product from large utilities in the US, thanks to the Free Electrons programme.

“This is a great opportunity for Grid Share to connect with major international utilities. We’re keen to show them how our solution can drive renewable growth in a cost-effective way, as well as help manage volatility in generation and demand. Volatility can be a major challenge for the grid as variable renewable generation grows." 

The other Kiwi finalist, Cogo, is a Wellington-based fintec company which tracks individual carbon footprints.

Founded in 2016, the business only hired its first staff member in 2019, but is now growing fast, with 120 staff globally. NatWest, one of the UK’s top five banks, and Australia’s largest bank, Commonwealth Bank, both use Cogo within their banking app to show customers the CO2 emissions associated with their daily spending.

David Beer, Cogo’s head of Enterprise Solutions and Partnerships in Europe, is hoping Free Electrons will lead to energy firms adopting a carbon management solution as part of their product offering. “Cogo is proud and excited to be given the opportunity to work with leading energy firms from around the world to support the decarbonisation of their customer base,” he says.

Free Electrons 2023 is focusing on eight energy challenges:

• Next generation clean energy
• Energy management and efficiency
• Sustainable alternative fuels and carbon management
• Smart grids and energy communities
• Green heat solutions for business-to-business and business-to-consumer
• Transport and industry electrification
• Facility and asset management
• Connectivity and Communication solutions