Renewables now supply over 40% of global electricity1, and could reach 70% of final energy demand by 2050 – a drastic rise when compared to the 20% that we have today2. As systems decentralise and demand grows, utilities face the challenge of scaling clean generation while maintaining reliability across increasingly flexible networks.
Free Electrons connects startups and utilities to co-develop deployable technologies that turn ambition into progress. Over nine editions, the program has united 300+ startups and 10 leading utilities, resulting in 250+ pilots and partnerships that continue to advance the global energy transition.
Now entering its 10th edition, Free Electrons focuses on the next decade of innovation – one defined by data, flexibility, and cross-sector collaboration. The following nine categories represent where the next wave of impact will take shape.
1. Next Generation Renewables
Global renewable deployment continues at record pace, with solar and wind accounting for more than 90% of new power capacity in 20243. Growth, however, is creating new challenges: curtailment is rising and variability is testing grid stability.
The focus is moving beyond capacity to performance, control, and hybridisation – maximising output, efficiency, and resilience across distributed systems.
Subcategories include:
- Offshore and onshore wind enabling technologies
- Distributed wind solutions
- Solar distributed generation
- Floating solar; novel cell types; modular solar systems
- Geothermal technologies
- Novel hydro systems
2. Energy Management / Data
Global investment in digital grid technologies reached USD 77 billion in 2024, up 10% from the previous year4. Yet many utilities still operate with limited real-time visibility.
Turning data into operational intelligence is key – predictive forecasting, automated control, and adaptive insights that optimise grid performance and enable flexibility.
Subcategories include:
- Digital trust and cybersecurity
- Planning, simulation, and forecasting tools
- Cloud and edge computing
- Data center optimisation
- Generative and Agentic AI for Business Operations and LLMs
- Demand response and VPP platforms
- Trading tools
- Advanced connectivity solutions; the Internet of Energy
3. Asset Optimisation
The renewable-energy asset-management market is valued at USD 9.8 billion and projected to exceed USD 35 billion by 2034, while the digital twin market could reach USD 259 billion by 20325.
Utilities are shifting from maintenance to continuous optimisation – using automation, sensing, and simulation to extend asset life and improve reliability. Real-time data and digital twins now underpin predictive control and early fault detection across the energy chain.
Subcategories include:
- Drones, robots, and sensors for monitoring and maintenance
- Condition monitoring, control, or optimisation
- Lifetime extension technologies
- Digital twins
- Image analytics
4. Thermal Solutions
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of global final energy use and 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions. Yet investment in low-carbon heat is rising, surpassing USD 80 billion in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year6.
Electrified, decentralised, and smarter systems – from heat pumps to industrial electrification – are driving efficiency, while district networks and storage make heat management part of integrated energy planning.
Subcategories include:
- Heat pumps & novel hot water systems
- Decentralised geothermal systems
- Thermal energy storage
- Process heat alternatives
- Industry electrification
- District heating
5. Grid Planning, Optimisation and Stability
Capital investment in distribution infrastructure rose 160% between 2003 and 2023, reaching USD 51 billion last year7. Networks are being redesigned to accommodate decentralised generation, storage, and electrified demand.
Advanced planning tools, satellite monitoring, and digital twins improve visibility and control, while flexibility services and community microgrids strengthen stability at local and system levels.
Subcategories include:
- Accelerating T&D roll-out including construction improvements
- Tools for planning optimisation
- Integrating renewables and storage in the grid
- Ancillary services enablers / flexibility services
- Low-voltage network adequacy and stability
- Microgrids including community batteries
- Network modelling and field-service management
- Satellite applications in grid management
6. Energy Storage
Global investment reached USD 40 billion in 2024, nearly double the 2022 levels8. Installations expanded 53% year-on-year, adding 45 GW / 100 GWh of capacity9.
Storage is evolving from short-term balancing to long-duration, diversified systems that reinforce grid reliability. New chemistries, circular-economy models, and second-life applications reduce material risk, while pumped hydro and residential storage expand flexibility across grid tiers.
Subcategories include:
- Long-duration solutions including pumped hydro
- Lithium-ion battery alternative chemistries
- Supply-chain efficiencies and ethical sourcing of materials
- Lifetime extension and/or second-life options
- Residential solutions
7. Connected and Engaged Customers (B2B and B2C)
Over 1 billion smart meters are now deployed worldwide, giving users real-time visibility into energy use10. Digital engagement and orchestration tools are becoming central to grid flexibility, with demand-response participation expected to grow 60% by 2030.
Customer participation is evolving into active system management – linking data, behaviour, and network needs. Utilities are also expanding into adjacent services such as water, broadband, and finance, building integrated digital ecosystems.
Subcategories include:
- Customer engagement solutions
- Metering and disaggregation technologies
- Non-energy home services (water, internet, banking)
- Residential demand response and orchestration
- Heating & cooling solutions
- Energy efficiency solutions
8. Mobility and Transport Electrification
Global EV sales reached 17 million in 2024, representing 20% of all new cars sold, while public charging infrastructure surpassed 5 million installations worldwide11.
The transition now centres on integrated mobility – connecting vehicles, grids, and data. Smart-charging and V2G solutions support grid balance, while fleet electrification and route-optimisation drive operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Subcategories include:
- Novel charging solutions including route and bill optimisation
- Integration solutions including vehicle-to-grid
- Fleet management solutions
- Advanced mobility technologies
9. Other
Low-carbon frontier technologies are scaling quickly. Hydrogen production from clean sources is set to reach 38 Mt by 2030, up from 2 Mt in 202212, while carbon-capture capacity could grow from 50 Mt CO₂ in 2024 to 420 Mt by 2035.
These advances reflect a shift toward cross-sector impact – combining mitigation, resource efficiency, and inclusion. Hydrogen, Power-to-X fuels, and novel funding models are redefining industrial decarbonisation, while energy-access and safety solutions ensure the transition remains equitable.
Subcategories include:
- Carbon-capture and storage solutions
- Climate engineering and carbon management & accounting
- Power-to-X (sustainable fuels, materials & bioenergy)
- Hydrogen generation and electrolyser technology
- Novel funding models
- Soaking excess renewables
- Energy access and addressing energy poverty
- Solutions to enhance electric work safety
Why Apply to Free Electrons 2026
Each category reflects a global shift already in motion – and an area where collaboration can translate innovation into tangible impact. Free Electrons provides a pathway to test, refine, and deploy solutions in partnership with leading utilities worldwide.
Applications for Free Electrons 2026 are now open.
Explore your category, connect with global partners, and help shape the next decade of energy innovation: https://www.f6s.com/free-electrons-2026/apply
