Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in shaping the UK’s economy, but their impact goes far beyond employment and economic growth. In the energy sector, these innovative businesses are driving transformative change, offering cutting-edge solutions to address critical challenges.
Five standout SMEs are leading the charge, revolutionising energy systems with bold ideas and breakthrough technologies that promise a brighter, more sustainable future.
Oxford-based Cognition Energy has completed development of the CellPod. The CellPod provides improved accuracy and flexibility compared to traditional methods for thermal testing of battery cells. Having partnered with our Business Model Innovation team to segment priority markets and refine its commercial strategy, Cognition Energy now has a list of prioritised market segments to focus on and a comprehensive list of potential customers in the market.
PeerCo, a women-founded start-up, offers a software platform that digitally verifies carbon reductions and converts them into tradable carbon credits or Attribute Certificates Energy.
Supported through the Climate Innovation Programme (CIP), PeerCo has advanced its technology from TRL 3 to TRL 7 and secured the UK’s first behind-the-meter carbon credit sale. They plan to automate data collection and expand their partner network to unlock new financing channels for small-scale decarbonisation.
Rendesco specialises in ground-source heat pump networks, delivering low-carbon heat to homes across the UK and reducing CO₂ emissions annually. Their smart Energy Centre Management System (ECMS) integrates remote monitoring, an enhanced sensor array and a unified user interface to detect faults early, optimise network efficiency and lower maintenance costs. After innovation workshops and one-to-one data strategy support through our CIP programme, Rendesco is ready to pilot ECMS across diverse sites.
London-based AirEx has developed a smart ventilation control – an intelligent air brick – that automatically regulates air flow using sensors to monitor temperature, humidity and air quality. Tested in our Living Lab AirEx’s intelligent air brick has now earned full British Board of Agrément certification and has been installed in more than 2,400 Scottish homes via the Warmer Homes Scotland programme.
Port Talbot-based Rotaheat has engineered the Rotaheater, a patented device that converts rotational energy into clean thermal energy at over 97% efficiency and zero carbon emissions, with outputs from 110 °C to over 300 °C. Working with our team to refine its business model and identify the commercial industrial space as its prime market segment, Rotaheat is now engaging institutional investors to support its next phase of commercialisation.
The Net Zero challenge is more than an urgent mission, it’s an exciting opportunity for innovative SMEs to make a lasting impact. The energy landscape is at a critical turning point and bold, transformative ideas are needed now more than ever.
Imagine pioneering cleaner energy systems, reducing emissions, and driving progress that benefits not just the planet but future generations. The rewards are immense: access to funding, powerful collaborations, and recognition as a leader in the future of energy.
This is not a journey you take alone. Collaboration across industries, sectors, and visionaries is the engine of success. Together, we have the power to overcome obstacles, tackle challenges, and create sustainable solutions that leave a legacy.
We open doors at home and abroad to create start-up success stories – propelling your business step-by-step from innovation assessment to commercial scale-up.
Find out moreFind out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams