NEWS & INSIGHTS | Opinion
Five clean energy startups powering renewable growth in 2025
Edward Pollock
With a rich background in entrepreneurship, Edward manages the delivery of the Net Zero Technology Centre’s award-winning TechX Accelerator. Prior to this, he worked to create and deliver the first Startup Accelerator at Robert Gordon University, as well as leading on hosting enterprise events, training programmes and credit-bearing short courses. With a degree in Event Management, Edward is experienced in founding new events, starting small companies and charities. Edward recently completed courses in entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, achieving Fellowship of Enterprise Educators UK and the Higher Education Academy. In 2021, Edward was awarded Rising Star in Enterprise Education for the UK. Edward has also held roles as a lecturer, a member of the Board of Governors and as a university quality reviewer.
Renewable energy consumption is projected to rise by nearly 60% by 2030. As global demand surges, developing and commercialising the technologies underpinning this growth is a priority. Startups are already laying the groundwork to pave the way for a cleaner future.
Global investment in the energy transition hit a record $2.1 trillion in 2024, up 11% from the previous year, according to BloombergNEF. Renewables are now set to dominate Europe’s annual electricity supply, with 260 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity expected between 2024 and 2030. This trajectory is encouraging, particularly given that the International Energy Agency estimates $4.5 trillion per year must be invested in renewable energy through 2030 to meet global targets.
These trends are driving increased investment in solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve energy security. The demand is clear, but it must be matched by innovation that delivers real impact.
Policy reform driving renewables growth in 2025
For years, complex permitting and interconnection procedures have hindered the rapid expansion of renewable energy across global power systems. To illustrate the challenge, a 2024 WindEurope study found that over 500 GW of wind energy projects remain stalled due to permitting delays in Europe alone. Italy and the UK each have more than 100 GW of projects awaiting grid connection approval.
Recognising the impact of these bottlenecks, governments worldwide are streamlining permitting and interconnection rules to accelerate renewable infrastructure deployment. In the UK, for example, the UK Labour government has lifted the de facto ban on new onshore wind and committed to doubling onshore and quadrupling offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Transformative technologies through startup innovation
With growing investment and policy support accelerating renewable energy expansion, the demand for innovative technologies has never been greater. Startups are playing a pivotal role in scaling renewable power, with their technological breakthroughs helping to meet rising demand.
NZTC’s TechX Accelerator is helping budding startups reach their full potential, providing essential funding, market access, strategic guidance and a clear path to scale. Through our far-reaching industry network, we’re facilitating further investment, new partnerships, field trials and pilots—ultimately reducing the time it takes for these trailblazers to bring their technologies to market.
Our 2025 startup cohort is now in progress, featuring companies addressing grid stability, energy storage and system reliability. Here’s a look at five of the 11 startups disrupting on- and offshore renewable energy.
1. AED Energy: Low-cost thermal energy storage
AED Energy is revolutionising energy storage with its breakthrough thermal battery. By storing renewable energy as heat and converting it into on-demand electricity and heat, this technology reduces emissions and provides reliable, round-the-clock energy. With costs up to 60% lower than lithium-ion batteries and a lifespan 2-3 times longer, it enhances energy security and supports industrial decarbonisation.
2. CGEN Engineering: Lightweight, modular generator systems
Recognising the challenges of high costs, complex maintenance and supply chain constraints, particularly in offshore and retrofitting operations, CGEN Engineering has developed a lightweight modular generator system prototype. Unlike traditional heavy, hard-to-transport generators, this new design reduces lifetime costs by 10-15%, minimises downtime, extends the system’s lifespan and supports reliable, efficient wind energy production at scale.
3. EBB:Flow: Scalable, low-cost wave energy converters
Wave energy has the potential to be a significant and complementary source of renewable electricity alongside wind and solar. Traditional wave energy converters rely on rigid, costly structures that are difficult to scale. EBB:FLOW has created a modular, flexible solution using lightweight generator cells. Designed for mass production, this innovation efficiently distributes force, reducing capital costs and enabling reliable, scalable power generation.
4. Global OTEC: Thermal energy conversion systems
Global OTEC has developed a prototype that converts ocean temperature differences into clean, reliable electricity. Ideal for remote offshore locations, this modular system operates 24/7 without the need for land or fossil fuels, lowering costs, reducing emissions, and providing renewable energy where it’s needed most.
5. SOLead Energy: Lead-based rechargable batteries
SOLead Energy has developed a safer, more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries with its soluble lead flow battery. This solution offers affordable and reliable stationary energy storage while avoiding the fire risks and environmental challenges associated with lithium-ion technology, providing a safer, greener option for energy storage.
Now in its seventh year, TechX continues to support startups tackling some of the most pressing energy challenges.
With a mix of industry-leading talent and groundbreaking technologies, these startups are redefining how we generate, store and distribute renewable energy. Stay tuned for their next steps as they bring these innovations to market and help reshape the global energy landscape.
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