The electricity industry is witnessing a seismic shift, with the flexibility market rapidly gaining traction. This surge is driven by two primary forces: the escalating integration of volatile renewable energy sources and the increasing digitalization of power grids. These trends are not just buzzwords; they are tangible realities shaping the sector’s future, as evidenced by the vibrant ecosystem of start-ups showcasing their innovations at EM-Power Europe in Munich.
At the heart of this transformation is the need to manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. These sources, while clean, are not always available when the grid needs them. This is where flexibility comes in—it’s about optimizing power generation, storage, and consumption to maximize revenue and grid stability. Start-ups are at the forefront of this revolution, offering smart software platforms that grant users intuitive access to flexibility markets. They enable customers to capitalize on price fluctuations in spot markets or provide system services remunerated by grid operators.
Take Spine GmbH, for instance. Founded by renewable energy enthusiasts in Munich, Spine is developing a software platform that intelligently controls decentralized generation and consumption. Imagine a smartphone, but for your energy system. This platform runs locally on a control box in the meter cabinet, allowing users to install various apps for grid-serving or market-oriented control. “You have to think of it like a smartphone, where different applications run on one piece of hardware,” explains co-founder Martin Stötzel. This approach saves time, money, and space, making it an attractive proposition for utilities and electrical installers.
Meanwhile, Bohr Energie SAS from France is focusing on market-based control to generate additional revenue for electricity producers. By optimizing production based on market signals, Bohr Energie helps photovoltaic, hydropower, wind turbine, and battery storage system operators maximize their value. “Our offering is aimed at all producers from 500 kilowatts upwards,” says Julien Haure, president of the company. This approach democratizes the flexibility market, allowing even small producers to benefit.
Then there’s Blindleister GmbH, tapping into a nascent market by enabling electricity producers to generate additional income from selling reactive power. With transmission system operators now advertising the supply of reactive power, Blindleister’s cloud-based software helps systems maximize their grid service potential. “Generally, you do not have to retrofit any hardware to the system,” says co-founder Niklas Reinhardt. This low-barrier approach is a game-changer, opening up new revenue streams for decentralized systems.
As the electricity industry becomes increasingly digitalized, so does the need for robust IT security solutions. Narrowin GmbH from Switzerland is addressing this need, supplying security and network technology to protect critical infrastructure. Their Network Explorer software, for instance, provides in-depth insights into existing networks, helping to identify measures that can improve network security and stability. “The software helps to understand the network of sensors and actuators, segment it, and troubleshoot malfunctions more quickly,” explains co-founder Tim Senn.
These start-ups are not just participating in the flexibility market; they are shaping it. Their innovations are challenging norms, sparking debate, and pushing the sector towards a more flexible, digitalized future. As they take center stage at EM-Power Europe, they offer a glimpse into what’s possible, inspiring visitors to think bigger, bolder, and more creatively.
The energy sector is at a crossroads. The flexibility market is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. As renewable energy sources continue to grow, and grids become increasingly digitalized, the need for intelligent, flexible solutions will only intensify. The start-ups at EM-Power Europe are not just riding this wave; they are steering it. Their innovations are not just shaping the future of the electricity industry; they are defining it. So, as the sector stands on the precipice of this new era, one thing is clear: the future of energy is flexible, and it’s happening now.
