The boundaries in the energy sector are blurring. Time for new ideas.
In hardly any other industry is the transformation taking place on so many different levels as in the energy sector. The increasing electrification of mobility and heating requires much larger quantities of electricity. These must be produced as neutrally as possible in terms of emissions. To achieve this, the energy supply must become more independent and decentralized. Houses will become power plants, vehicles will become mobile energy storage units – and thus, in many places, young start-ups will become the biggest drivers of the energy transition. All of this is the right way to go but much more needs to be done to achieve climate targets and energy supply at competitive prices in energy-intensive industrialized countries like Germany.
So smart, networked and fast-scaling solutions are needed. An excellent environment for new business models and the market entry of new players.
The annual expansion of photovoltaic systems in Germany must increase by over 300% from 7 gigawatts today to 22 gigawatts in 2030.
In 2022, USD 1.1 trillion was invested in the low-carbon energy technology market worldwide. 31% more than the previous year.
Since 2019, venture capital for clean energy startups has increased six-fold from $1.9 billion to $12.3 billion.
Opportunities through new technologies
Electrification of transport
The move toward electric vehicles (EVs) creates opportunities for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where EVs serve as mobile energy storage, contribute to grid stability and provide EV owners with an additional source of revenue. This requires smartly connected and accessible charging infrastructure in private urban spaces as well as for B2B transportation.
Energy-efficient building technologies
Innovative solutions for energy-efficient building design, including smart HVAC systems, energy management software and advanced insulation materials, contribute to significant energy savings.
Distributed energy generation
The ability for homes and businesses to become energy generators using rooftop solar panels promotes energy independence from foreign countries and centralized power plants. The technology is mature enough to be scaled as quickly as possible.
Internet of Things (IoT) in energy management
The use of smart meters and sensors for real-time monitoring and control of energy systems optimizes energy use, identifies inefficiencies and holds the potential for new business models.
Konrad is one of the founders of DevelopX and leads the company as Managing Partner. He founded DevelopX in 2019 as a partner of TruVenturo, one of Europe’s leading company builders in the digital space. Prior to founding DevelopX, Konrad was responsible for founding and scaling several tech startups at TruVenturo and realized several successful exits.
After studying materials science, Konrad worked for several years as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company in Hamburg, advising companies in the manufacturing, high tech and chemicals sectors. Konrad holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona and lives in Hamburg.
As an engineer and passionate entrepreneur, Konrad works with companies in the energy, industrials and logistics sectors and advises our private equity clients in due diligence or portfolio optimization.