Tech • 2h ago
Samsung bets this island startup can tame the grid with software and batteries
**Samsung Invests in Nigerian Startup to Tackle Grid Challenges with Tech**
The Nigerian power grid has faced numerous challenges over the years, from frequent blackouts to inconsistent supply. While the country has made significant strides in embracing renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the grid still struggles to meet the demands of the growing economy, particularly during peak hours.
Michael Phelan, the CEO of GridBeyond, a startup that aims to revolutionize the grid, explains that the issue lies in the grid's inability to balance supply and demand. "Most of the time, we have enough power, but during peak hours, we struggle to meet the demand," he says.
GridBeyond has developed innovative hardware and software that enables different parts of the grid to work together seamlessly, creating virtual power plants that can be managed remotely. The company has already secured a substantial portfolio of around 1 gigawatt of solar, batteries, wind, and hydropower, and has partnerships with several commercial and industrial facilities across the globe, including in the UK, US, Japan, and Australia.
To further expand its reach, GridBeyond has secured a €12 million equity investment from Samsung Ventures, marking a significant boost to the startup's growth prospects. Other prominent investors also participated in the funding round, including ABB, Act Venture Capital, and Energy Impact Partners.
GridBeyond's technology has the potential to transform the Nigerian power grid, enabling it to better manage peak demand and reduce the frequency of blackouts. By leveraging the power of software and batteries, the company can help stabilize the grid and ensure a more reliable supply of electricity to businesses and households alike.
As Nigeria continues to grow its economy and develop its technology sector, a more robust and reliable grid is essential for supporting the development of data centers, hyperscalers, and other high-tech industries that require large amounts of electricity. GridBeyond's innovative solution has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the grid challenges facing Nigeria and other countries around the world.