Ireland's electricity company, ESB has formed a partnership with five new international energy start-ups.

The innovative start-ups will help the firm lead the transition to the next generation of clean, efficient energy and electric transport.

The international groups include: ev.energy (UK), Solandeo (Germany), Akselos SA (Switzerland), Enging and Save2Compete (both Portugal).

They were finalists in this year's Free Electrons Accelerator Programme of which ESB is a founding member. The programme is designed to support start-ups who are working to transform the energy market with next-generation ideas. ESB and nine other global utilities work with each of the companies to refine and test their products with the potential to reach 80 million customers in more than 40 countries.  

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Denis O'Leary, ESB's Head of Innovation, said: "ESB is delighted to partner with five of the world's most exciting and innovative energy start-ups as part of the hugely successful Free Electrons Programme. This once again demonstrates the organisation's commitment to supporting the brightest talent that are developing energy solutions for our customers. These are important steps as we lead the transition to a low-carbon future, with creative ideas, innovative thinking and new technologies at the heart of this transformation."

The UK-based ev.energy claimed the coveted Free Electrons title, the $200,000 prize fund and is now working with ESB on a pilot project.

ev.energy builds software to make electric vehicle charging easier, greener and cheaper for energy utilities and car owners. ev energy's platform will be configured to minimise carbon emissions on the grid and the trial will test customer value proposition in both UK and Ireland.

(CM/JG)