Dutch Company Tibo Raises €6 Million to Advance AI-Driven Energy Management System Aligned with SDGs

Dutch company Tibo Energy has successfully raised €6 million in funding to enhance its AI-driven energy management system (EMS). The funding round was led by KOMPAS VC, with additional participation from Hitachi Ventures, WEPA Ventures, SET Ventures, and Speedinvest. This capital injection will enable Tibo Energy to expand its operations into Germany and Belgium, contributing to sustainable energy solutions across Europe.

Real-Time Energy Control Supporting SDG 7 and SDG 9

Since late 2023, Tibo Energy’s AI-driven EMS has been operational at over 30 industrial sites. The system improves energy efficiency by intelligently managing distributed energy assets in real time, allowing companies to maximize capacity from existing infrastructure. This innovation supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting efficient energy use and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by enabling industrial growth without the need for immediate grid expansions.

Addressing Grid Congestion Challenges in Line with SDG 11 and SDG 13

Grid congestion is an escalating issue in the Netherlands, leading to high peak load costs and prolonged waiting times for grid upgrades. Tibo’s software mitigates this problem by flexibly controlling local energy assets, freeing up additional capacity. Emerging signals from Germany and Spain indicate that grid congestion is becoming a widespread challenge in Europe.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By preventing grid overload, Tibo’s system supports resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Optimizing energy flows reduces unnecessary energy waste and carbon emissions.

AI Engine Alice: Driving Predictive Energy Optimization

The core of Tibo’s platform is the AI engine named Alice. Alice optimizes energy flows every five minutes using live data, price forecasts, and contract limits. Unlike reactive systems, Alice operates on predictive analytics, enabling proactive energy management.

1. Hardware-independent compatibility with solar panels, batteries, charging infrastructure, and other distributed energy resources.
2. Scalable solutions suitable for managing single assets or comprehensive EnergyHubs.

Remco Eikhout, CEO and co-founder of Tibo Energy, stated: “Infrastructure limitations shouldn’t hold back the energy transition. Alice enables industrial players to leverage unused capacity, predict risks, and optimize in near real-time—whether you’re managing a single battery or a full EnergyHub. This funding helps us bring that flexibility to more European customers.”

Investment in Circular Energy Innovation Supporting SDG 12

€6.5 Million Investment in Circular Energy Innovation in the Built Environment

TKI Urban Energy plans to invest millions this year in eighteen projects focused on stimulating energy innovations within the built environment. This initiative aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting circular energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses Tibo Energy’s AI-driven energy management system that optimizes energy flows and manages distributed energy assets, contributing to clean and efficient energy use.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The use of AI technology to enhance industrial energy management and infrastructure capacity aligns with fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The mention of energy innovations in the built environment and preventing grid congestion supports sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Optimizing energy use and integrating renewable assets like solar panels and batteries contributes to climate mitigation efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Capacity Utilization
   • The article mentions the AI system helping companies get more capacity out of existing infrastructure, implying measurement of capacity utilization rates.
2. Grid Congestion Levels
   • Preventing grid congestion and reducing peak load costs suggest indicators related to frequency and duration of grid congestion events.
3. Renewable Energy Integration
   • Use of solar panels, batteries, and charging infrastructure implies tracking the share of renewable energy assets managed and integrated.
4. Energy Efficiency Improvements
   • Optimization of energy flows every five minutes and predictive control indicate metrics on energy efficiency gains and reduction in energy waste.
5. Investment in Energy Innovation Projects
   • The €6 million funding and TKI Urban Energy’s investment in eighteen projects imply indicators related to financial inputs into sustainable energy innovations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ioplus.nl