Looking For Renewable Energy Solutions? Meet The Startups Raising Now

Renewable Energy

Businesses and governments are transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources due to the impacts of climate change. The focus has shifted towards genuine sustainable efforts, with advancements in solar, hydro, and wind technologies. However, the investment needed for these projects remains substantial.

Crowdfunding in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy initiatives often involve long development timelines and high initial costs, making it challenging to secure early-stage investment. Crowdfunding offers an alternative approach, enabling individuals interested in renewable energy to directly invest and support these projects. This grassroots backing is critical for the scalability of renewable energy solutions.

Current Renewable Energy Startups

Several startups are currently raising funds to innovate and enhance sustainability in various areas:

1. Polysolar

Polysolar, based in the UK, develops building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with smart solar glass that converts structures into clean-energy generators. Their flexible thin-film glass is lightweight and effective in low-light conditions, making it suitable for urban and commercial applications. Polysolar’s solar canopy at Leicester City Council’s car park received the Energy Project of the Year award at the 2023 Energy Awards.

2. Seafields

Seafields is an aquaculture company that focuses on carbon removal through the cultivation of Sargassum seaweed. Their SeaClear and SeaGrow farms produce seaweed year-round, which is then harvested and deposited in deep-sea sites for long-term carbon storage. Successful trials, including the first seaweed biomass sinking test, have demonstrated the viability of this method.

3. Frugalpac

Frugalpac has introduced the Frugal Bottle, a paper bottle for wine and spirits that is five times lighter than glass bottles and has an 84% lower carbon footprint. Made of 94% recycled paperboard with a plastic liner, the Frugal Bottle is a significant advancement in sustainable packaging, with over three million units produced and distributed globally.

4. Heatio

Founded in Liverpool in 2022, Heatio is a clean-tech startup offering a platform that helps homeowners optimize energy usage and transition to renewable sources. Utilizing AI and machine learning, the platform provides real-time energy insights to assist users in managing consumption. Heatio’s efforts have been recognized with the Equity-Backed Startup of the Year award at the UK StartUp Awards in 2024.

5. Zero2Cool

Zero2Cool specializes in cooling systems that convert waste heat into zero-emission refrigeration and air conditioning. These systems offer efficient cooling solutions, particularly in areas with limited or expensive electricity, helping businesses reduce both costs and carbon emissions.