Free Electrons Programme: The Global Energy Start-up Accelerator

The Free Electrons Programme is one of the world's largest energy start-up accelerators. Co-founded by ESB in 2017, it serves as a dynamic platform where we and our global utility partners engage with the most innovative energy start-ups. The programme's core lies in fostering collaborative efforts to deliver pilot projects, deploy products commercially and secure investment opportunities – all while promoting learning and development.

Now in its eight year, the programme has seen utilities and start-ups collaborate on more than 200 pilots, culminating in deals worth around €110 million. Its growing influence is evident in the record-breaking 847 applications received in 2024, showcasing its significance in the growing energy sector worldwide.

The benefits of the Free Electrons Programme and why energy start-ups should consider joining

Collaborative innovation: We engage with pioneering energy start-ups, helping them to refine their value propositions and tackle climate challenges, thereby driving progress towards a sustainable future.
Cross-functional synergy: The programme promotes collaboration across ESB's diverse range of business units, anchored within our central innovation function, to enhance our overall ability to innovate cohesively.
Peer-to-peer learning: All utility partners benefit from shared knowledge, significantly accelerating ESB's capacity to innovate and meet our net zero targets by 2040.
Risk minimisation: By observing global utility challenges, we can proactively prepare for potential issues arising from the decarbonisation of the electricity system.
Technology radar: The programme provides ESB with insights into cutting-edge technologies emerging in the energy market, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Strategic partnerships: The relationships and connections formed during the programme enable us to collaborate on new solutions to help decarbonise the electricity system.

The Free Electrons Programme extends an open invitation to energy start-ups from around the globe to join a transformative journey.

To participate, start-ups must fill out the application form here highlighting their innovative solutions and alignment with our mission to drive sustainable change. Selected start-ups will gain the opportunity to work closely with ESB and other leading global utilities. They will also have the chance to demonstrate the impact of their solutions through pilot projects, which serve as a platform to test, refine, and scale their innovations.

Additionally, the programme offers potential investment opportunities to help start-ups accelerate their growth and expand their market reach. Throughout the programme, start-ups will have access to a wealth of learning resources and mentorship from industry experts, aiding them in navigating the complexities of entering the energy sector. Start-ups will also become part of a network of innovators committed to shaping the future of energy and making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

The Free Electrons Utility Partners: Collaborating for a Sustainable Future

We are proud to partner with six world-leading utility companies, with each contributing unique expertise and resources to drive innovation in the energy sector:

CLP: Powering over 80% of Hong Kong's population, CLP is a vertically integrated utility covering generation, transmission, distribution, and customer service.
EDP: A global renewable energy leader, EDP operates in 29 markets with over nine million customers globally.
E.ON: Serving approximately 48 million customers, E.ON offers a wide range of energy solutions, electric mobility, energy efficiency, and climate protection initiatives.
Hydro-Québec: As Canada's largest electricity producer, Hydro-Québec boasts 63 hydroelectric stations.
JERA: Japan's largest power generation company, JERA is a joint venture between TEPCO Fuel & Power and Chubu Electric Power.
ORIGIN: A leading Australian energy solutions provider, Origin serves 4.5 million customers with a generation portfolio and natural gas production.

Together, our partners form a robust network committed to fostering ground-breaking energy start-ups and propelling the industry towards a sustainable and innovative future.

ESB and Free Electrons Spotlight Projects

Akselos

Our Engineering and Major Projects team partnered with Akselos, a Swiss-based company known for advanced engineering simulation technology. The objective was to develop the world's first physics-based digital twin of our hydroelectric pump station at Turlough Hill in Co Wicklow, aiming to extend its life cycle through condition-based predictive maintenance. Using Akselos' simulation technology, we created a digital model of the penstock and manifold, enabling real-time monitoring and accurate maintenance predictions. The collaboration has already provided valuable insights, allowing informed decisions about maintenance and operations.

Plexigrid

ESB Networks partnered with Plexigrid, a company known for its innovative grid management solutions. The objective was to perform a small-scale implementation of the Plexigrid solution in a defined geographical area on the low voltage distribution network, aiming to test both the feasibility and benefits of the solution. Using Plexigrid's technology, we analysed the effects on the grid from the addition of new customers, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and solar PVs, enabling us to make informed decisions about grid reinforcements. The collaboration has already provided valuable insights, allowing us to evaluate if the connection can be accommodated or if grid reinforcements are required.

Power to Hydrogen

Our Generation and Trading business partnered with Power to Hydrogen, a company known for its innovative reversible hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser technology, as part of our commitment to accelerating the transition to a clean hydrogen economy. The objective was to harness renewable energy by converting excess energy from renewable sources into hydrogen gas, which can be stored and later converted back into electricity during periods of low wind and sunshine. The project was a pilot between four utility partners including ESB and EON (Germany). Using Power to Hydrogen's advanced technology, we completed a 1,000-hour testing regime at American Electric Power’s (AEP) Dolan Labs in Columbus, Ohio, providing valuable insights into the efficiency and durability of the system. The collaboration has already shown promising results, with significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

DCSix Technologies

We partnered with DCSix Technologies to foster innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The objective was to trial their proprietary "Wattrics" solution at 100 Irish SME customer sites, aiming to reduce energy consumption significantly and cost-effectively. Using DCSix Technologies' advanced technology, we provided resources, equipment, and services to facilitate the successful implementation of energy savings for selected SMEs. The "Wattrics" solution is providing immediately actionable customer savings and identifies investible PAYS type energy bill savings where appropriate.

For more information and to explore the programme further, visit the Free Electrons website.