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This new accelerator is aiming to connect clean energy start-ups with global markets

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In collaboration with seven international energy companies, Origin has launched the second edition of Free Electrons – a global search for the best clean, smart energy ideas from start-ups all over the world.

Origin is searching for clean energy start-ups to join this unique accelerator program that will be hosted in Australia, Europe and USA and will connect start-ups with utilities that have more than 73 million customers in over 40 countries.

The first year of Free Electrons in 2017 has resulted in most of the twelve start-ups signing, or being close to signing, trial agreements. Plus several investment opportunities are in negotiations.

This includes an agreement between Origin and UK based start-up Tempus Energy where Origin will be trialling Tempus’ flexible demand-site management platform with a group of commercial and industrial customers in South Australia this summer.

What exactly is the Origin accelerator aiming for?

“Origin is excited to again be partnering with some of the world’s leading energy companies to find the best ideas in clean and smart energy, mobility and digitisation,” said Tony Lucas, Executive General Manager, Future Energy and Business Development.

“New technology has changed the way energy is generated, stored and distributed at the same time customer expectations for simple, clean, reliable energy solutions have increased.

“By collaborating with the best and brightest minds in Australia and globally Origin is better placed to meet community expectations for greater insight and control over their energy usage,” Mr Lucas said.

In addition to participation in Free Electrons, Origin is committed to supporting local Australian start-ups through its principal sponsorship of EnergyLab – Australia’s first clean energy accelerator program.

Start-ups can apply for the 2018 Free Electrons program from today until early February here. In addition to Origin, the other global utility partners in Free Electrons are Ausnet Services (Australia), EDP (Portugal), DEWA (Dubai), ESB (Ireland), Innogy (Germany), SP (Singapore) and Tepco (Japan).

The twelve start-ups that participated in the 2017 Free Electrons program were: Aperio and Driivz (Israel), Climote (Ireland), Depsys (Switzerland), Greencom (Germany), DataGlen (India), Tempus (UK) and HST, Ohm Connect, Simple Energy and EthosGen (USA), plus BeOn (Portugal).