6 innovative solutions to sustainable energy

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Climate change is affecting everything from geopolitics to economies to migration flows. Cities, life expectancies, and many other aspects of our everyday life are being shaped by this phenomenon. New and well-established businesses are being impacted as well, requiring them to take action and focus on corporate innovation in order to keep up with the sustainability trend. In this article, we will focus on the sustainable energy sector. 

corporate innovation and sustainable energy

More countries are committing to net-zero by 2050, which refers to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible. The Paris agreement coalition is growing, but commitments must be backed by bold credible actions. What would it take to realise that goal?

Transitioning to a net-zero planet necessitates nothing less than a total shift in how we produce, consume, and move about. The energy sector is responsible for almost three-quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions today, and it holds the key to mitigating climate change’s worst effects. Replacing polluting coal, gas, and oil-fired power with renewable energy sources would make a significant impact.

The transition comes for sure with its costs. However, the opportunities offered by the technological advancements implemented in the energy industry are many. Something to take into serious consideration if we want to limit the negative impact of human activities on the environment.

Moreover, the startup ecosystem and the corporate innovation trend can benefit from these opportunities. Innovations in the sector provide efficiency and open markets for low-emission products and services, resulting in potential growth.  

The focus of this article is to explore the relationship between corporate innovation activities and environmental sustainability, with a focus on:

  • Increasing accessibility to electric vehicle charging solutions.
  • Optimizing logistics by means of unmanned autonomous vehicles like drones.
  • Improving the PV light absorption rate thanks to organic solar cells.

Across the many adventures and searches in the innovation cosmography, our Novable Agents have identified interesting companies working in the sustainable energy sector waiting to be discovered by you.

Startup Scouting for Corporate Innovation with Novable

EV Charging Solutions

Electric transportation methods can help to reduce carbon emissions. This is due to the flexibility in charge and discharge that EV batteries may provide to the electricity system, as well as lower tailpipe emissions. However, the market must align vehicle charging behaviour to complement renewable generation and satisfy system needs.

1. Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS)

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS) creates public charging solutions for automotive OEMs and fleet vehicles. They provide access to the largest charging network in Europe, with an emphasis on the customer’s point of view since the system must be straightforward and quick to use. Their service comprises a website with product information, tariffs, and a charging network map. Moreover, iOS and Android software including intelligent route planning is part of the package. This allows finding charging stations conveniently along the route, as well as activating them directly from the app, taking corporate innovation to the next level. 

2. Plugsurfing

Plugsurfing was founded in 2012. “We were a small startup with a big proposition” they explain on their website. Novable highly resonates with this statement. The company invested in corporate innovation by making charge points visible to drivers across Europe, and by creating the first digital map of its kind. Their charge point management system covers everything from tariff configuration to advanced reporting and analytics.

startup scouting for corporate innovation

Drone Delivery System

Logistics firms are constantly seeking ways to decrease their carbon footprint in order to save money on fuel and prevent climate change. They can substantially decrease their usage of fossil fuels, reduce costs, and benefit the environment by implementing drones in the final phase of their supply chain.

3. Drone Delivery Canada

Drone Delivery Canada offers a complete logistics solution including a proprietary software system, hardware, and professional services. These characteristics translate into a safe and secure autonomous freight delivery procedure. 
The technology is based on a virtual flight management program that enables secure automated operations. Simultaneously, it monitors commercial air traffic, weather, real-time package tracking, scheduling, temperature, and much more. 

4. SKYDROP

SKYDROP’s mission is to save lives and improve lifestyles by making delivery instant for everyone, as stated on their website. Their corporate innovation strategy includes performing the delivery of medicines to remote healthcare clinics and retail and e-commerce items to consumer houses. Moreover, they just announced a collaboration to develop the first drone-delivered automated external defibrillator (AED) service in the USA. Overall, they have been focusing their activities on the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. Countries that are characterized by big distances and rural areas, in which classic transportation methods are required to overcome strong challenges in terms of safety and efficiency. 

startup scouting for corporate innovation

Organic Solar Cells

As stated above, the impact of global warming is undeniable. Solar energy will play a key role in the most crucial battle of the 21st century: allowing higher sustainable energy access while reducing environmental disruption. 

Because of their high optical absorption coefficients, organic solar cells can store far more solar energy than conventional solar technologies. This technology has the potential to propel the industry forward quickly, reaching great levels of corporate innovation. In particular, through new R&D initiatives that will improve its long-term viability.

5. NanoFlex Power Corporation

NanoFlex Power Corporation creates revolutionary solar technologies that enable high-performance thin films for solar power that may be used everywhere. Their innovations have the potential to implement new solar applications, such as mobile power and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Underserved sectors by current solar technology. The focus is on efficiency, flexibility, and durability. 
Their technology is based on unique materials and manufacturing techniques that ensure excellent performance and low costs. It is particularly suited for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications due to its high light absorption rate.

6. NextGen Nano

NextGen Nano ground-breaking technology substitutes pollutant-laden, finite-materia solutions with environmentally friendly biopolymers. This corporate innovation approach allows the creation of solar cells with unrivaled efficiency at a fraction of the cost of the current gear. PolyPower, the patented technology, enables the implementation of strong, transparent cells to flexible surfaces, making it more useful, effective, and adaptable to a wide range of real-case applications.

Sustainable energy technologies and electric transportation methods provide a viable low-carbon alternative to hydrocarbons in a wide range of applications.  Renewables may eventually become the primary source of energy for a carbon-free world. Moreover, they can provide plenty of crucial secondary advantages, such as reduced local pollution and improved energy access.
For all of these reasons, measures that remove obstacles to renewable energy adoption and encourage corporate innovation should be a crucial component of any future international climate accord.

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