UK and Finland based grid technology firm Reactive Technologies has completed a $15M fundraiser, its biggest so far, with new investors including BGF, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and power management company Eaton.
Reactive says it will use the proceeds to export its technology to countries around the world that are experiencing rapid renewable energy growth, with grid stability already starting to suffer from the accompanying loss of inertia. Reactive’s GridMetrix technology is described as being like ‘sonar’ for the grid, uniquely able to take direct measurements of grid inertia and providing system operators with accurate real-time visibility over power network conditions. This mission-critical data enables grids to safely and cost-effectively increase their renewable energy capacity as they accelerate the decarbonisation of their energy systems, says the firm.
A press release announcing the fundraiser cited the investment entry of Breakthrough Energy Ventures as “a major validation” of the technology, since the firm is only said to invest in technologies with the potential to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 1% of global emissions (0.5 gigatons) per year. Meanwhile, Eaton will make a strategic investment, and together with Reactive, will explore opportunities for collaboration on utility market support and future service offerings.
Reactive expects to announce further strategic investments as part of a 2nd close later in the year.
Marc Borrett, Reactive Technologies CEO, commented:
“This fundraise is a fantastic endorsement of our business, our team, and the technological solutions we provide. Our new financial and strategic partners will help drive a step change in the delivery of our services to system operators globally, accelerating our ability to enable power grids around the world to rapidly decarbonise and meet their net zero objectives. With COP26 on the horizon as we approach tipping point in the energy transition, we are proud to be an example of how British and Finnish innovation can help overcome the hurdles to decarbonisation and support the global fight against climate change.”
Rahul Satsangi, investor at BGF, commented:
“In what is a critical year for the energy transition with COP26 conference and the Government’s emphasis on the green recovery taking centre stage, we’re delighted to be supporting an innovative clean tech business and management team that is already playing a central role in the decarbonisation of the UK. A transformation of the energy sector is essential for the future of our economy and Reactive’s digital-led solutions place it at the heart of that shift both within the UK and globally.”
Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), commented:
“We need to accelerate the uptake of low carbon technologies to meet surging global energy demand while decreasing emissions as quickly as possible. We see the potential for Reactive to become a significant global player in the decarbonisation of power grids worldwide by enabling greater deployment of renewable resources. BEV identified the business as having a distinctive enabling technology that can be scaled to become an integral part of the response to this global challenge.”
Aravind Yarlagadda, Eaton executive vice president and chief digital officer, commented:
“As the world moves towards a net zero carbon energy system, we see a future where renewables and distributed energy resources steadily replace existing forms of energy as electricity becomes an even more important part of how we power our daily lives. We expect this massive shift to place increasing pressure on grids everywhere and require insights from innovative technology companies like Reactive and proven solutions from their partner ecosystems. Our strategic investment accelerates our ability to provide digital solutions and support our customers in the global energy transition.”
The investment comes as Reactive prepares to deploy its first commercial GridMetrix service contract with UK grid operator National Grid. With annual investment in grid infrastructure set to treble from $260 to $820 billion by 2030[1] and over 70% of the world’s emissions under jurisdictions that have committed to a 2050 net zero target, Reactive is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of the global energy system.
Volker Beckers, Chairman, Reactive Technologies, commented:
“This is a fantastic moment for Reactive and the result of years of work by our team to develop a leading clean technology business at the heart of the energy transition. The fact we have been able to attract such high calibre financial and strategic partners demonstrates a growing awareness around the world of the urgent need for investment in grid stability technologies. This fundraising will enable us to help release the hand-brake on the energy transition and enable power grids to decarbonise safely and economically.”
