Many startups are playing a crucial role in the energy transition by developing new technologies, business models, and strategies to help accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources.
1. Betteries
The Berlin-based startup, Betteries, provides sustainable alternatives to fuel-based generators and propulsion systems. With more than 8 million electric cars, buses and trucks already on the road globally, according to the World Economic Forum, the stockpile of used batteries is getting bigger and demand keeps growing. Betteries is working to prolong their life by upcycling all electric vehicle batteries into affordable power systems to avert climate change and protect valuable resources.
2. SolarGaps
Since 2015 SolarGaps has been on a mission to make energy free and accessible to all. The California-based firm is pioneering a method of energy distribution it says will power the homes, offices and cities of the future. By exploring innovative concepts and adopting new technologies, this startup is confident it will help move every city closer to their Net Zero goals. For example, it makes “smart blinds” with built-in solar panels that automatically track the sun and generate electricity from its energy. They also provide shade to cool down the inside of the building they are installed on, reducing air-conditioning usage by up to 30%.
Farewell, summer!
— SolarGaps (@solargaps) September 22, 2021
This year’s Fall Equinox falls on Sept. 22 to mark the astronomical beginning of autumn.
But don’t rush to say goodbye to solar power generation as well because solar panels work even better when it’s cool outside as soon as it’s still sunny🌞 pic.twitter.com/YKdH02T3qJ
3. Cambridge Industries
Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this innovative waste management and renewable energy generation company has developed the first waste-to-energy sustainable city park in Africa. Known as the Reppie WtE facility, its full construction started in September 2014 and finished in 2017. The facility processes 1,400 tons of municipal waste per day and produces 185 GWHr of electricity annually that is exported to the Ethiopian national grid, with the capacity to power 25% of Addis Ababa’s households.
The process integrates biological materials from waste sources and polluting gases by creating next-generation bioreactors and insect farms.
Nobody believes in #Africa that one day they could build such a facility that burns waste to power its people. The Reppie #WtE processed over 90% of the #waste in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹and generated over 185GWh of ⚡️.
— Global WtERT Council (@globalwtert) January 23, 2022
🎶Here we go, turn it up 🎚️, let it start!▶️https://t.co/2d8zkPsdzl
4. SOLshare
The Bangladesh-based climate-tech startup SOLshare was founded in 2014-2015 with the goal of providing energy trading platforms to low-income households. Homes with rooftop solar panels can sell their excess electricity back into a microgrid network, and others can buy it.
@GreenerGarments, a JV betw the global fashion brand, @com_bestseller & the climate-tech #startup, @MESOL_share, was freshly initiated and immediately signed 3 solar rooftop deals of 2.35 MWp. Off to a very good start for a greener #RMG sector in #Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/ZgJYqs1NHx
— Sebastian Groh (@groh_me) February 8, 2023
The scheme marries 6 million homes to 1.75 million electric rickshaws, allowing users to earn income from the sun. This “swarm” electrification approach allows people living in rural villages to become solar entrepreneurs and take energy generation into their own hands.
