The fight against climate change is on everyone’s minds thanks to the student protests surrounding the Fridays for Future movement. While many citizens are aware of the urgency of the situation, many industrial nations, including Germany, are missing their self-imposed climate goals. Hopes are pinned on startups and new technologies that may still be able to bring about the necessary change. At this year’s SET Tech Festival, a number of young companies from the energy sector were honored for their commitment.
The winners of the international SET Award 2019 for the most innovative and effective business models in the areas of energy transition and climate protection went to: Enapter (Germany) in the category Low-Carbon Energy Production; Planet Ark Power (Australia) in the category Intelligent Grids, Platforms & Cyber Security; Blixt (Sweden) in the category Energy Efficiency, Smart Devices & Storage; Bodawerk (Uganda) in the category Innovative Mobility and Divine Bamboo (Uganda) in the category Special Prize: Quality Access & SDG7.
New ideas for the energy transition
The award-winning startup companies prevailed in the final round of the SET Tech Festival on April 9th in Berlin, an event for startups, established energy companies and investors. More than 450 companies from 80 countries had applied, 15 of which made it to the final and presented their ideas live on stage. Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is an initiative of the German Energy Agency (dena) in cooperation with the World Energy Council.
Andreas Kuhlmann, dena Chief Executive was impressed by the winners: “The winners of the SET Award 2019 show, together with many applicants, how we can advance energy transition and climate protection with fresh ideas. This is the spirit we need for the future. Our global network is growing. All founders who want to make the world a better, smarter and greener place are cordially invited to join us.”
Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council added: “The SET Award 2019 illustrates the depth of experience, commitment, and vision driving the innovators who will transform the future of energy. All the finalists should be proud of their achievements and the winners have a bright future to look forward to.”
SET is a global initiative that identifies leading startups in the fields of energy transition and climate protection and brings them together with companies, investors and other startups. It includes the SET Award, the SET Tech Festival and the SET Network. Across the globe, more than 100 partners from politics, industry, science and non-government organisations are getting involved.
After the many praising words, however, now also deeds must follow. One mistake politicians cannot afford in the fight against climate change is to place all the responsibilities in the hands of startups and new technologies. The many suggestions and business models must now be adopted and implemented by governments and large companies.
