Reactive’s technology solutions will unlock a wave of global grid decarbonisation
LONDON, 12 August 2021 – Reactive Technologies, the UK and Finland based grid technology company, is delighted to announce a new group of investors as part of a $15M fundraise – the business’ largest ever. The funding round was led by the UK & Ireland’s most active investor, BGF, alongside Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Eaton (NYSE:ETN) , a global intelligent power management company.
Reactive will use the proceeds to expand its international activities and export its technology to countries around the world that are experiencing rapid renewable energy growth and already beginning to manage the challenges of decreased grid stability caused by a loss of inertia. Reactive’s GridMetrix technology is 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.
The investment entry of one of the world’s most prestigious clean energy funds is a major validation of Reactive’s technological solutions. Breakthrough Energy Ventures invests only 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 Energy System Operator (NESO). With annual investment in grid infrastructure set to treble from $260 to $820 billion by 20301 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.”
Our Finnish release is available here: 2021 08 23 Press Release_Finnish
Notes to Editors
Reactive Technologies is an innovative UK and Finland based energy data company accelerating the transition to a Net Zero future by creating and implementing cutting-edge breakthrough technologies to address the energy industry’s greatest challenges. Reactive work globally with leading system operators, distribution network operators, utilities and other energy market participants to deliver unrivalled mission-critical measurement and data analytics that accurately measure grid performance. Their broad and deep IP portfolio covers over 180 patents worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.reactive-technologies.com
The fundraise was facilitated by Apricum – The Cleantech Advisory, a Berlin-based transaction and strategy advisory firm specialized in clean technologies, who acted as exclusive financial advisor to Reactive Technologies.
About Breakthrough Energy Ventures:
Backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) invests in cutting-edge companies that will lead the world to net-zero emissions. BEV has more than $2 billion in committed capital to support bold entrepreneurs building companies that can significantly reduce emissions from agriculture, buildings, electricity, manufacturing, and transportation. BEV’s strategy links government-funded research and patient, risk-tolerant capital to bring transformative clean energy innovations to market as quickly as possible.
The first fund was created in 2016 as part of the Breakthrough Energy network of initiatives and entities, which include investment funds, non-profit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts linked by a shared commitment to scale the technologies needed to address climate change and achieve a path to net zero emissions by 2050. Visit https://www.breakthroughenergy.org/ to learn more
About BGF:
BGF was set up in 2011 and has invested £2.5bn in more than 400 companies, making it the most active investor in the UK. BGF is a minority, non-controlling equity partner with a patient outlook on investments, based on shared long-term goals with the management teams it backs. BGF invests in growing businesses in the UK and Ireland through its network of 16 offices. In 2018, Canada launched its equivalent – the Canadian Business Growth Fund – and in 2019, Australia did the same, both based on BGF’s funding model.
About Eaton:
Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. Eaton provides sustainable solutions that help its customers effectively manage electrical and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and the company sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. Eaton has approximately 85,000 employees. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
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