DIGITAL ENERGY
Magnifying digital in the energy value chain
As the energy system shifts toward greater use of renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind, and as electrification spreads across different sectors such as transportation and heating, maintaining a clear view of electricity supply and demand and managing it effectively becomes more complex. This challenge stems from the inherent unpredictability of both electricity generation and consumption.
Digital energy, which involves the use of innovative solutions leveraging data and software, facilitates the integration of renewable energy throughout the entire electricity value chain. This includes optimizing the operation of transmission grids, enhancing the development and operation of PV projects, and efficiently managing and monetizing distributed energy resources.
The decreasing costs of digital technologies and services are accelerating the digital transformation of the energy industry, especially in electricity networks. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the global smart grid technology market will reach approximately $70 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10% from 2020 to 2050.
As the adoption of renewable energy sources and cleantech solutions increases, the digital energy market is expected to expand significantly. Grid operators are increasingly recognizing the urgent need for digitalization to address recurring issues such as blackouts and the curtailment of renewable energy. Additionally, nations are acknowledging the importance of modernizing their infrastructure to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, as exemplified by the EU’s plan for energy system digitalization.
The growing urgency for energy system digital transformation, combined with advancements in digital technology, will create promising business opportunities in the digital energy sector.
Our services
Transaction Advisory
Strategy Consulting
HOW WE HELP
Our expertise in digital energy covers a wide range of technologies and market segments, addressing diverse use cases for various stakeholders in the energy industry. We assist our clients in crafting robust strategies and business models, providing comprehensive market insights, industry landscapes, and policy analyses. This empowers them to navigate and expand their presence in the digital energy sector effectively. Leveraging our extensive experience from numerous successful transactions, we support start-ups with innovative solutions and products to scale their businesses, while helping investors evaluate various market opportunities.
- Partnership/JV Formation: Facilitating partnerships or joint ventures to leverage complementary strengths. Project example: Apricum supported the formation of the grid services JV between BMW, Ford, and Honda – ChargeScape.
- Strategy Review/Definition: Helping companies discover their unique position within the evolving integrated ecosystem or enter new markets. Project example: Sungrow market entry strategy and partner search.
- Commercial Due Diligence: Evaluating investments for value creation potential or identifying deal-breaking aspects. Project example: Apricum performed commercial due diligence for investors in 1komma5° and Enpal.
- M&A: Providing end-to-end transaction advisory support, from target search to deal closure. Project examples: Apricum supported E.ON’s acquisition of Klarsolar and Octopus Energy’s acquisition of Krakenflex (formerly Upside Energy).
- Business Model Design and Review: Assisting companies in optimizing their value proposition and other business model aspects. Project example: Business model optimization for Swiss player Homsphere.
WHO WE HELP
ELECTRIC UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMPANIES
START-UP COMPANIES WITH INNOVATIVE DIGITAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Smart grid
ASSET OWNERS
Investment and private equity firms
EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL ENERGY NEWS
The latest strategy and transaction expertise to support companies and investors to thrive in the digital energy sector
Market size
It is expected to reach USD 108.5 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 13.5% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2026 .
Investment
Global investments in smart grid infrastructure, including digital energy technologies, are expected to total USD 1.3 trillion from 2020 to 2030.
Renewable Energy Integration
By 2030, smart grids could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by 2.1 gigatons annually
%
CO2 emissions reduction
Digital technologies can enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems by up to 15-20% .
Providing transaction and strategic insights into the role of digital energy across the electricity value chain
Nikolai Dobrott
Founder & CEO, Head oF Apricum's Digital Energy Practice
“The digital energy market is crucial for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in energy production, distribution, and consumption by leveraging advanced technologies like smart grids and IoT. It also facilitates real-time data analysis and management, enabling more responsive and adaptive energy systems to meet dynamic demands and integrate renewable energy sources.Our expertise in digital energy spans across a broad spectrum of cleantech and the entire value chain. We provide comprehensive strategic, project, and transaction advisory services, empowering clients to effectively navigate and enhance their footprint in the digital energy sector.” get in touch
CLIENTS WHO HAVE BENEFITTED FROM OUR DIGITAL ENERGY CONSULTING AND TRANSACTION EXPERTISE
“Apricum helped HV during our SPV DD in assessing the quality of Enpal’s SPVs. With Apricum’s deep expertise we were able to holistically look at both the technical and financial quality of Enpal’s portfolio and make an informed decision with regard to an investment into Germany’s largest residential PV installer.”
“Overall extremely impressed by Apricum. As an ex-McKinsey person, I think Apricum brings every bit of the management consulting toolbox into the project, on top of an industry depth in the day-to-day team that is truly impressive and rare in the consulting world.”
“The team demonstrated the highest level of competence down from the minute technical details of photovoltaic production processes up to an excellent understanding of the industry dynamics and the key strategic implications – a versatility that you find rarely among consultants. From day one, they brought their comprehensive sector knowledge to the table. Their reports were very focused without limitations on necessary detail. They served the objective of our engagement very well.”