iwell: “Conducting” renewable energy flows
These days, peak loads on the energy grid regularly make the news. iwell successfully spreads renewable energy supply and demand using ingenious software and a circular battery system. In so doing, it prevents peak loads on the grid and offers companies greater control over their electricity bill. iwell is committed to making the cleanest energy available at the cheapest price. Co-founder Jan-Willem de Jong explains how iwell is paving the way for a renewable future for energy across Europe.
Exodus to green energy
More and more European companies are turning to renewable energy sources to meet their demands. In recent years, legislation and regulations (including Europe’s goal of being climate neutral by 2050 and drastically reducing CO2 emissions), financial incentives (grants for green investments) and the need for energy security (less dependence on fossil energy sources from abroad) have led companies to invest massively in heat pumps and charging stations, and to switch from gas to electricity, for example by using solar panels.
High-voltage grid facing excess power
Renewable energy supplies depend heavily on environmental factors including sunlight and wind. While sunshine and wind have the potential to generate loads of energy, supply doesn’t usually match demand. As a result, huge surges of power are “discharged” into the high-voltage grid. However, the “grid” isn’t necessarily equipped to deal with this. It must be reinforced by installing thicker underground cables and expanding existing transformer stations. This process takes years and grid operators have waiting lists for parties wanting to expand or apply for a grid connection. Many companies simply can’t wait that long to be hooked up.
Revolutionising energy management
Jan-Willem: “Prosperity of any form cannot be achieved without energy. No energy means no transport, no computers and no production facilities. The energy transition hinges on sufficient storage capacity. Everyone realised this, but no one took action.” Heading off for rides with cycling friends Harm Welleweerd (driving battery specialist) and Vincent Ruijter (IT consultant), the trio began brainstorming: Why would anyone buy an energy storage battery? It was during one of these rides that they decided to establish iwell. Deploying their self-developed energy management system (EMS) and modular battery storage units, they first focused on housing associations. They later helped companies to efficiently manage their energy consumption. This not only enables companies to cut costs, it better prepares them to face the future.
Overcoming obstacles
Jan-Willem spoke about being lucky to start off slowly and how bigger challenges unfolded: “We were fortunate to have started in the Netherlands, which served as a great innovation incubator for our renewable aspirations. As a team, you’re enthusiastically committed to your idea, with great expectations for the future. However, the journey can also involve encountering obstacles or ‘valleys of death’. For example, we once reached a point where we only had enough money for one more month and were compelled to appeal to our network for support.” With perseverance and innovation, the team pushed on and found creative solutions to keep going. DOEN Participaties plays a pivotal role, especially during difficult periods, providing the support and essential funding needed to keep growing.
Great opportunities ahead
iwell now operates in four countries (the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK) and is fiercely ambitious. Jan-Willem: “We want to reconstruct the European energy system with our software and hardware, ultimately leading the energy management market.” iwell is also building local teams in Spain, Italy and Poland. With its growing reach and ongoing innovative drive, iwell continues to pursue its mission of supporting companies on the road to a green future.
Jan-Willem encourages other companies to look beyond national borders and pursue grand ambitions: “Many Dutch companies are good at innovation, but we don’t do enough to harness the international market. My advice to other impact entrepreneurs? If you dare to aim higher than just the Netherlands, you’ll make a bigger, more lasting impact!”
DOEN Participaties has been investing in iwell since 2019 thanks to the players of the Postcode Loterij.