60 Energy Technologies Ripe for Investment

Global energy investment exceeded USD 3 trillion in 2024, with a record-breaking $2 trillion dedicated to clean energy technologies and infrastructure. 

Yet, the path forward is not without its hurdles. 

The costs of scaling renewable energy and emerging technologies remain significant, challenging both developers and investors. 

Policy uncertainty across major markets creates additional roadblocks, with inconsistent regulations hindering progress. Technological advancements, while promising, must accelerate to address critical gaps, especially in areas like energy storage and industrial decarbonization.

There is still plenty of room for innovation and fresh thinking, and so we caught up with 20 investors to hear which technologies they’re on the look out for in the transition to net zero.

9 standout areas are:

🌫️ Natural Hydrogen
⚡️Energy Grid Stability
🔋Solid-State Batteries
🖥️ Data Center Optimisation
🔢 Smart Energy Management
💡 Behind-the-Meter Solutions
🔌 AI Agents in Energy Management
🪫 Advanced Energy Storage Solutions
💥 Grid Modernisation for the Energy Transition

If you’re fundraising and your startup is working on one or more of these solutions, then reach out to the investors to start discussions today or join us at the HackSummit to meet many of them IRL.

Before we jump in…

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20 Investors Weigh In on the Future of EnergyTech

Dr. Anne Hinze at DeepTech & Climate Fonds

• Behind-the-Meter Flexibility: The growing share of renewable energy sources (RES) in power grids is reshaping the dynamics between electricity generation and demand. Intermittent energy supply and the correlating price volatility — with 2024 seeing record price highs and frequent negative prices — are driving the need for demand-side (“behind-the-meter”) flexibility. Smart Energy Management Systems for residential and commercial buildings as well as industrial processes, smart energy procurement, and dynamic electricity tariffs are becoming essential to enable customers to benefit from volatile market prices AND– at the same time - support grid-friendly load shifting. In 2025, we expect increased vertical integration in this sector, combining flexible hardware, software, and electricity supply for end-to-end solutions.

• Electrification of Industrial Process Heat: Today, a staggering 20% of global energy demand is dedicated to producing industrial heat, with most of it still coming from burning fossil fuels. Next to sustainable fuel alternatives we’re especially excited about innovative solutions that are capable of converting intermittent, green electricity into continuous process heat to decarbonize high emission industries. We see exciting advancements in technologies that harness “power-to-heat” solutions for industrial applications, like high-temperature heat pumps, and innovations in thermal storage technologies. These solutions are vital for decarbonizing sectors like chemicals, offering not only price parity with fossil fuels but potentially even cost savings and “green discounts”.

• Emissions Monitoring and Reporting: The regulatory landscape for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is expanding rapidly. Methane emissions, for example, — far more harmful to the climate than CO₂ — are only now receiving the regulatory attention they deserve. We are particularly keen on innovative technologies for data collection—whether from space, air, or land-based systems. Coupled with advanced tools for data analysis and reporting, these solutions are crucial for ensuring compliance with the growing array of regulatory demands. The need for solutions that facilitate cross-border data monitoring is also becoming increasingly critical. Companies will be on the lookout for technologies that streamline their reporting processes and ensure compliance amidst the tightening regulatory landscape.

Guy Vidra at Collaborative Fund

• Data Center Load Growth: As demand for data center capacity surges, the need for better infrastructure becomes more acute. Opportunities abound for innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in meeting the growing energy needs of data centers. Companies like LiquidStack and GRC are pioneering immersion cooling technology, while Phaidra's AI-powered energy optimization software can dramatically improve efficiency.

• Clean, Reliable Baseload Power: Ensuring grid stability amidst a rapidly changing energy landscape necessitates clean, dependable baseload power. The resurgence of nuclear energy, alongside other reliable low-carbon options, is set to play a pivotal role in meeting consistent energy demands while supporting decarbonization goals. Companies such as Acceleron, and geothermal players like Quaise, are leading this transformation.

• Cheap Storage: The efficiency and resilience of the grid hinges on affordable energy storage solutions. Companies developing cost-effective technologies will be instrumental in driving down costs and enabling the broader adoption of renewable energy.

Christopher Raithle at PUSH VC

• AI x Electrification: The ‘electrification of everything’ and rapid growth of AI are significant drivers of global energy demand. Consequently, boosting renewable energy remains a pivotal and pressing initiative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Energy Grid Stability: Central to this effort is the enhancement of grid stability and efficiency through the adoption of advanced solutions. 

• Long-Duration Energy Storage: The pursuit of long-duration energy storage technologies is crucial for realizing the full potential of renewable energy sources and progressing toward a fully electrified economy.

Christian Guba at Extantia Capital

• Behind-the-Meter Solutions: We'll see a surge in execution-focused companies solving the "unsexy" but critical challenges of renewable energy integration. The focus will shift from developing new technologies to scaling proven solutions like behind-the-meter storage, heat pumps, and smart load management. These companies will differentiate themselves through superior project delivery and customer acquisition, targeting the growing "deployment gap" in the energy transition.

• AI Agents: AI agents in energy management will focus on practical applications in grid balancing and behind-the-meter optimization. We'll see the first wave of systems that can autonomously manage complex distributed energy resources at scale, optimizing for cost and carbon intensity in real-time. The real breakthrough will be in their ability to interface reliably with physical infrastructure.

• Natural Hydrogen: Geologic hydrogen will emerge as a serious contender in the clean hydrogen landscape. While still early, these projects will show that geologic hydrogen can potentially deliver cost-competitive base-load hydrogen without the massive energy input requirements of electrolysis. Scalability and geographic constraints will remain key questions to be answered beyond 2025.

Jessica Burley at Planet A Ventures

• No (more) Green Premiums: The focus for most buyers—whether consumer or industrial—has always been on cheaper and better, with sustainability as a nice-to-have. Now, with US elections signalling less policy cushioning for climate tech, that focus has sharpened. Green premiums are a thing of the past—or rather, a fiction rarely believed but widely debated.

• Challenges for Energy Hardware: Falling gas prices threaten climate tech ROI in the coming years, as new LNG projects (U.S. and Qatar) will boost supply, and lower European demand—thanks to industrial relocations, bankruptcies, and reduced reliance on Russian imports—will likely push prices down. To stay competitive, energy hardware must scale quickly to hit price parity—or cheaper—and find corporate champions willing to support early offtake agreements.

• Commoditisation Threats for Energy Software: Years of talent and capital influx have led to increasingly crowded markets, likely triggering consolidation and CAC bloodbaths. Margins are being pushed razor-thin as many players compete with similar claims of AI-driven or hyper-accurate tech. True differentiation will hinge less on incremental product tweaks and more on totally innovative offerings and sharp GTM strategies.

• On the Bright Side: Talent is flooding into green energy, VCs are still deploying capital at breakneck speed, and Europe continues to double down on its green agenda with the new Commission. The journey for green energy builders is only getting started.

Morgan DeFoort at Equator VC

• Digital Technologies for Energy Markets: We have a keen interest in the digital opportunity created by the need to integrate DRE resources, distributed consumers, and grid infrastructure to deliver meaningful commercial returns in the energy sector in major African markets. Asset-light technology builders offer opportunities to meaningfully mitigate AT&C losses, deliver greater value to IPPs and mini-grid or grid-edge producers, and allow more equitable access to energy in target markets.

• AI x EnergyTech: Last year, we noted the “AI-fication” of everything as a trend hitting the energy sector, and this year, we’re seeing the opportunity increasingly clarified. AI has the potential to mitigate downside risk for energy providers in Africa (by allowing for more sophisticated detection and prediction of non-technical losses), and expand upside potential (by enhancing demand matching, infrastructure planning, and of course by creating new demand to power AI growth). We believe companies that accelerate utility digitization will prepare Africa to reap the technological dividend of the scaling AI revolution.

Serhat Aydogdu at Seaya Andromeda

• Resilience and Reliability Upgrade: The energy transition demands a grid capable of supporting digitalized, decarbonized, and decentralized energy systems. This requires integration of renewable energy rapidly, enabling two-way power flows, and deployment of battery storage at scale. Equally critical is ensuring these systems are resilient to the impact of climate change and geopolitical instability. The rising frequency of extreme weather events and regional conflicts have exposed vulnerabilities and dependencies in traditional energy infrastructure, underscoring the urgency of grid modernization to enhance both reliability and resilience. However, it is not only physical risks that need to be addressed but also cybersecurity risks. As the grid becomes more digitalized and interconnected, it is increasingly susceptible to cyberattacks that could disrupt energy supply and damage critical infrastructure. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are integrated into grid modernization efforts is essential to safeguard energy systems from evolving threats and ensure their continued reliability in a digital age.

• Automation and Efficiency to Tackle Decarbonisation in Industry: The industrial sector is a major contributor to global emissions, yet current fossil fuel prices—significantly lower than their peaks two years ago—place sustainable alternatives at a disadvantage. Instead of overhauling industrial processes, automation and efficiency improvements using advanced monitoring and intelligence offer practical, cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions. These strategies enable industries to optimize operations and achieve meaningful impact while maintaining competitiveness in a challenging energy market.

• Convergence of Energy and Digital Technologies: The integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into energy systems is revolutionizing how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. By enabling real-time data analysis and enhanced connectivity, ICT paves the way for innovative business models such as virtual power plants, peer-to-peer energy trading, and dynamic energy marketplaces. These models enhance grid flexibility, optimize energy usage, and empower consumers to actively participate in energy markets. In addition, improved access to previously opaque and complex energy market data is creating unprecedented opportunities. Advanced digital platforms are democratizing information, making it easier for smaller players—such as communities, startups, and individual consumers—to engage in energy markets. This transparency not only facilitates informed decision-making but also accelerates the decentralization of energy systems, fostering resilience and efficiency.

Namratha Kothapalli at Speedinvest

• AI Energy Optimisation: As we reframe how we measure AI’s intelligence and energy availability via "Tokens per Watt per Dollar", we need to figure out ways to allow for business continuity, optimise energy consumption through efficient data centres and computing.

• Powering Resilience with Diverse Energy Sources: Geothermal, nuclear, and energy storage are leading the charge for robust baseload power, while smart and decentralised grids keep energy flowing through disruptions.

• Fortifying Critical Infrastructure Against Cyber Threats: Advanced cybersecurity is the backbone of energy and industrial resilience, defending against escalating cyber and physical attacks.

Maurin Rüegg at Clima Now

• Long Duration Energy Storage: Even though this topic is not new, we are convinced that LDES solutions are essential to drive the green energy transition. This includes technologies that promise low storage costs while also offering positive environmental impacts by using non-critical or recycling existing materials.

• Software Solutions to Manage Demand Response: These solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and help the demand side to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and contribute to grid stability. We believe that software tackling real-time monitoring and analytics, automated control systems and load management & optimization offer interesting investment opportunities.

• Clean Data Centers: Data centers – thanks to AI - are already consuming more energy than some countries. This growth needs to be managed and even though it’s a novel space we already see interesting start-ups building efficient cooling systems, heat repurposing, improved data compression or “virtual data centers” aiming to reduce energy consumption.

Charlotte Kirk at Clean Energy Ventures

• ClimateTech Solutions That Also Deliver National Security Benefits: The deployment of renewables, distributed energy systems & decentralized grids inherently enhance energy independence. Technologies that enable critical minerals & rare-earth refining, domestic semiconductor production, onshoring of manufacturing & data centres, national fertiliser & steel production, and battery recycling etc, can mitigate geopolitical risks, improve supply-chain resilience & reduce value-chain dependencies. In addressing the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability, climate-tech solutions that offer clear financial benefits and improved resiliency are more likely to succeed than those relying solely on marketing green premiums.

• Energy Infrastructure: We need widespread deployment of the energy infrastructure needed to meet surging electricity demand & enable the delivery of 24/7 clean firm power. Solutions must overcome electrical transmission challenges including insufficient grid capacity, significant congestion & curtailment, interconnection bottlenecks and permitting & regulatory delays. Clean baseload power sources like geothermal & nuclear, alongside other clean dispatchable technologies, and strategically placed long-duration & thermal energy storage, are essential to enable the ‘electrification of everything’, and support domestic manufacturing & generative AI. Building robust, resilient, and reliable grids is critical, requiring advanced transmission technologies (e.g., novel conductors, reconductoring, new transformers, microgrids) as well as flexibility and balancing systems. Grid-enhancing technologies such as Dynamic Line Rating, topology optimization, advanced power flow control, and Virtual Power Plants will play an increasingly vital role.

• Robotics, automation, & the Specialisation of AI in ClimateTech: This is streamlining complex processes, optimising for efficiency and enabling scalability. Seamlessly integrating hardware & software, tailored robotics and AI solutions can address specific industrial challenges and deliver measurable ROI. These advancements are driven by improvements in battery energy density, GPU efficiency, LiDAR resolution in sensors, and AI intelligence. Upstream applications include improved weather forecasting & climate modelling, solar panel installation, energy market analytics, demand response, and utility monitoring. Mid- and down-stream uses span supply chain, warehouse, logistics & fleet optimisation and management, alongside materials discovery & development and precision manufacturing. Specific technologies improving operational & energy efficiencies will be key, such as advanced cooling and energy optimization in data centres, enhanced data transfer, superior servers and chip designs.

Frederik Hetsch at Audacy

• Electricity Demand for AI Data Centres is Surging Dramatically: Electricity demand for AI data centres is projected to surge dramatically in 2025, with estimates indicating it could reach about 2% of global electricity use. This increase is primarily driven by the intensive power requirements of generative AI technologies. To meet this escalating demand sustainably, there is a significant shift towards enhancing renewable energy sources and expanding nuclear capacity. Major tech companies are investing heavily in carbon-free energy solutions, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies, which provide stable and reliable power essential for the continuous operation of data centres.

• Green Discount, Climate Tech Solutions that are Cheaper and Better: The trend towards cheaper and more efficient energy technology solutions is anticipated to continue through 2025, driven by advancements in renewable energy and energy storage systems. Against the backdrop of challenging market conditions, the concept of a green discount will be increasingly important for investors in 2025 as it reflects the growing economic advantages associated with sustainable investments in several sectors, including electrification, sustainable fuels, and carbon utilization.

Hadar Sutovsky at ICL Group

• Solid-State Batteries: In 2025, solid-state batteries are set to revolutionize energy storage with higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespans compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. By using solid electrolytes instead of liquid, they address key challenges like fire risks, charging times, and durability. These advancements are crucial for electric vehicles, grid storage, and portable electronics, enabling longer driving ranges, reliable renewable integration, and safer systems. Investments from automakers, energy firms, and startups, coupled with innovations in solid electrolytes and cost reduction, are driving large-scale commercialization. Policy support for clean energy further accelerates adoption, making solid-state batteries central to decarbonization efforts.

• Internet of Energy (IoE): The IoE is set to revolutionize how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed, transforming the energy and climate tech ecosystem into a more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected system. At the core of IoE is the use of real-time data from energy generators (solar panels, wind turbines, and power plants), consumers (homes, businesses, and industries), and storage systems (batteries, hydro storage, etc.), all interconnected through the internet. This connectivity enables predictive analytics, automated load balancing, and decentralized energy systems that can adjust in real-time based on supply and demand, leading to greater energy efficiency and resilience. It also facilitates better integration of renewable energy sources, which are often intermittent, by ensuring that surplus energy is stored or redirected to where it's needed most, reducing waste and optimizing resource use. The IoE trend is particularly impactful in enabling smart grids that allow for dynamic, localized management of energy. 

• Hydrogen Technologies: Hydrogen technologies are emerging as a key pillar in the global transition to clean energy, positioning hydrogen as a versatile, sustainable solution for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, transportation, and long-duration energy storage. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar to electrolyze water, is leading the charge as a low-emission alternative to fossil fuels. In 2025, advancements in electrolysis technology, scaling production, and reducing costs are making green hydrogen more economically viable and accessible. Hydrogen is gaining traction not only as a clean fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trains, but also as a storage medium for renewable energy, where it can be used to balance intermittent energy sources by storing excess electricity and converting it back into power when needed. This trend is also supported by major investments from governments and private sectors, with a growing number of hydrogen hubs and infrastructure projects being developed globally to create the necessary supply chains for hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization. As these technologies mature and become more cost-competitive, hydrogen is expected to play an increasingly important role in achieving net-zero emissions, making it one of the most promising energy solutions in 2025 and beyond.

Fernando Casado at Inclimo Climate Tech Fund

• Revolutionizing Energy Flexibility with EV-Powered SaaS Solutions: Innovative SaaS technologies are redefining the role of electric vehicles by transforming them into intelligent energy storage units. Through synchronized charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, these platforms enhance grid flexibility while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. By optimizing EV charging patterns and facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, they play a pivotal role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the global transition to a sustainable energy system.

• Smart Energy Management: SaaS Solutions for Enhanced Flexibility and Sustainability: Advanced SaaS platforms are revolutionizing energy management by enabling real-time, remote control of air conditioning systems and dynamically optimizing energy usage. By reducing peak energy demand and enhancing grid stability, these technologies significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. They are driving a more flexible and efficient energy system, accelerating the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

• AI-Powered Energy Management for Housing: Reducing Costs and Emissions: Innovative SaaS platforms are revolutionizing energy management in the housing sector by offering advanced tools to analyze energy consumption and simplify energy bill interpretation. Using AI-driven insights, these solutions recommend tailored strategies for efficient energy use and even suggest technology upgrades to optimize energy consumption. By empowering homeowners and tenants to adopt smarter practices and integrate renewable resources, these platforms not only lower costs but also reduce carbon footprints, driving a transformative shift toward sustainable and efficient living.

Murat Aktihanoglu at Remarkable Ventures Climate

• Energy Transition, Distributed Energy Resources, and Storage: The global push for decarbonization and the electrification of economies presents a massive opportunity for innovation in energy systems. Grid modernization and optimization are critical to integrating increasing shares of decentralized renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Emerging technologies such as dynamic line rating, energy storage solutions, and demand-side management systems can enhance grid stability and reliability. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which aggregate and manage distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, batteries, and EVs, represent a transformative approach to balancing energy supply and demand in real time.

• AI and Data Technologies for Sustainability: Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are unlocking new possibilities across industries to improve sustainability and efficiency. In energy optimization, AI algorithms enable better forecasting of energy demand, predictive maintenance for industrial systems, and optimization of renewable energy integration. For industrial processes, AI can identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption, directly addressing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

• Data Center Optimization: The data center sector, already responsible for 3-4% of global electricity consumption, is projected to grow significantly due to the rising demand for AI, and cloud services. Leveraging AI to reduce energy consumption through real-time workload optimization, improved cooling methodologies, and enhanced heat management systems can drastically reduce the environmental footprint of data centers. Additionally, innovative approaches like utilizing excess heat for district heating or other local applications can provide added value while contributing to a circular economy.

Florent Nduwayezu at FP Capital

I haven’t been this optimistic about climate tech in a long time. We are standing at the edge of transformative possibilities driven by advancements in technology and innovation. However, this optimism doesn’t extend equally across the globe. While developed economies are poised to reap the benefits of these advancements, emerging markets - particularly in Africa - may find themselves left behind.

• AI Solving Energy Challenges: AI is set to transform energy innovation by overcoming long-standing engineering bottlenecks. From optimizing nuclear reactors to advancing fusion technology, AI will enable more capital-efficient, scalable energy solutions. This progress is particularly exciting for developed markets, though Africa risks being left behind due to limited R&D investment and infrastructure.

• Nuclear at the Center: Nuclear energy will emerge as the go-to solution for global energy needs due to its unmatched efficiency and scalability. Industries will flock to nuclear, leaving less emphasis on wind and solar. This shift could redefine energy priorities, particularly in industrialized nations, though challenges remain for adoption in emerging economies.

• Carbon Credits Decline: With energy solutions becoming more capital-efficient, reliance on carbon credits will reduce. Businesses will shift towards sustainable, self-sufficient models, potentially reshaping the carbon markets. In Africa, however, the lack of scalable, homegrown climate tech innovations may slow progress, limiting benefits from this global trend.

Felix Krause at Vireo Ventures

• Battery Optimization Software: Battery storage is already evolving rapidly - and its efficient use is critical to accelerating decarbonization. We are seeing more startups developing software solutions that enhance battery system performance by monitoring their functional status, optimizing their operations, and streamlining the entire lifecycle of batteries. By integrating forecasting, real-time data, and AI-driven optimization, these technologies not only increase operational efficiency but also unlock potential in second-life applications. In a future dominated by e-mobility and renewable energy, such solutions will be key to sustaining a resilient and profitable energy ecosystem.

• Cybersecurity Solutions for Distributed Assets: The proliferation of distributed energy assets like rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and smart appliances introduces new vulnerabilities to energy systems. Therefore, we urgently need new technologies that enhance the security and resilience of energy infrastructure, and enable seamless integration of renewable technologies into everyday life. We see immense potential for startups to address this gap, particularly as the energy grid becomes increasingly digitized, and expect a rebound of the sector in the next few years.

• Grid Optimization Software: Modernizing the grid is inevitable for the energy transition. Smart grid optimization software solutions are transforming how utilities manage and expand their networks, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades while meeting the growing demand for electricity. We are excited about AI-driven solutions increasing the efficiency of complex local energy systems, contributing to optimized grid management and energy distribution. As regulators emphasize safety and reliability, grid optimization technologies are positioned to redefine the future of energy distribution and resilience.

Laura Estankona at Rumbo Ventures

• Advanced Energy Storage Solutions: The future of energy hinges on long-duration and advanced storage systems that improve grid reliability and support the transition to renewables. Investments are focused on scalable and efficient technologies, such as solid-state and metal-air batteries, as well as flow batteries. These innovations aim to provide cost-competitive, subsidy-free solutions that ensure consistent power availability, enhance grid flexibility, and enable the adoption of renewable energy at scale.

• Enhancing Grid and Energy Infrastructure: As electrification accelerates, transforming grid infrastructure becomes critical. Key investments are directed at technologies like Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), HVDC systems, superconductors, and advanced conductors to double transmission capacity and eliminate bottlenecks in renewable energy storage and transportation. This is essential for meeting climate goals and supporting growing renewable energy adoption while integrating nuclear and gas technologies to address baseload demand efficiently.

• Hydrogen and Disruptive Materials: Green hydrogen and disruptive materials represent pivotal areas for energy innovation. Investment in hydrogen technologies focuses on reducing costs for industrial applications, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals, without relying on regulatory mechanisms. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in materials like superconductors and nanomaterials aim to enhance the efficiency of energy generation, storage, and transmission. These technologies promise superior performance and cost-effectiveness, ensuring a competitive advantage in the evolving energy landscape.

Łukasz Skarka at Innoenergy

• Atoms to Bits: The rapid deployment of data centers equates to a massive scale of energy capacity needed—not just for powering them but also for transmitting that power efficiently. Data centers are, at their core, hubs where electrical energy is transformed into digital data. To sustain hyperscale growth in this industry, we must address several pressing challenges: reducing peak energy demands for computing, enhancing energy storage solutions (both electrical and thermal) for on-demand deployment, alleviating grid transmission burdens, accelerating data center deployment timelines, and minimizing water usage in cooling systems. Emerging innovations such as liquid cooling, hardware-driven workload optimization, and renewable energy integration are pivotal in achieving these goals. Additionally, repurposing waste heat from data centers for local energy ecosystems could redefine their role as critical urban assets. 

• Grid Resilience: The electrical grid is under unprecedented pressure, and this strain will only intensify with the electrification of industries, the expansion of renewables, and years of underinvestment in grid infrastructure. The bottleneck is clear: we need solutions that enhance flexibility, manage peak loads, and integrate advanced storage technologies while modernizing grid infrastructure itself. Innovations in flexibility, peak management, storage, along with technologies to serve the infrastructure itself - rewiring, maintenance, management and mobile microgrids are emerging as key enablers of grid resilience. These technologies not only improve reliability but also optimize existing assets to minimize costs and risks during disruptions. Whether virtual or physical - at this point we need all of the possible solutions to be deployed at scale, fast. 

• Deployment Enhancement: The electrification of infrastructure—spanning EV charging stations, battery storage systems, PV plants, wind farms, and data centers—requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes involving multiple stakeholders and various bottlenecks. Current permitting processes often delay projects significantly. To accelerate deployment timelines and reduce costs and risk for investors, we need innovative approaches such as software platforms for streamlined decision and location optimization, permitting, regulatory frameworks that incentivize faster approvals, and standardized project blueprints to replicate successful models across regions.

Guilherme Penna at Silence VC

• Grid Modernization for the Energy Transition: The shift towards a sustainable energy future demands urgent modernization of grid infrastructure. Investment opportunities lie in technologies that integrate hardware and software to streamline interconnections, optimize grid management, and enhance efficiency and reliability. These solutions, including dynamic line rating and advanced power electronics, are critical to building a resilient grid capable of supporting rising energy demands and the integration of renewable energy sources.

• Smart Solutions for Energy Optimization: As the energy sector embraces sustainability and decarbonization, smart technologies that balance energy supply and demand are pivotal. Innovations that shift energy usage to periods of renewable abundance, reduce grid instability, and optimize storage are driving this transformation. Businesses and consumers adopting energy flexibility solutions present significant growth opportunities in sectors like energy management software, energy storage systems, and grid flexibility tools.

• Decarbonizing Infrastructure through Hardware Innovation: The clean energy transition requires robust hardware solutions to enable the transmission, distribution, and management of renewable energy. Technologies such as advanced conductors, storage systems, and power electronics are essential for improving grid reliability and accommodating the variable nature of solar and wind power. As the solar sector accelerates, investing in these foundational technologies will be key to decarbonizing energy infrastructure and supporting global energy needs.