UK start-up Ecompany has launched an upgraded version of its online global marketplace aimed at helping large and mid-sized enterprises source and buy clean energy directly from generators.
The RE-search platform now incorporates a business case tool that provides a forward view of the renewable energy market and compares it against the power purchase agreement (PPA) price.
Additionally, enhanced communication channels allow corporates to communicate with other buyers and developers.
The refreshed version of RE-search allows developers to respond to requests for information, upload projects to the marketplace and access industry data in one place.
Ecompany wants to open up the market to smaller developers and provide a platform for showing operational and pipeline projects.
Company founder and chief executive Juan Pablo Cerda said: “The idea is to increase confidence in the market and open communication channels between smaller companies, large corporates and developers.
“This will help raise awareness of the issues and challenges in the industry and provide a new way to tackle them. The Re-search portal will become a game-changer in the clean energy sourcing sector.”
Despite demand growing for renewable energy across the globe, out of the 7.2GW of PPAs signed globally in 2018 according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, only 1.6GW was allocated to Europe, with the majority of that volume sourced from solar and wind projects in the Nordics.
Ecompany cites factors, including a lack of information about the renewables market, the cost and resources that corporates have to pay to find suitable projects, the size of the available projects and the term of the current contracts, which are preventing more corporates from purchasing renewable energy supplies.
Cerda added: “The age of digital platforms is on the rise, giving way to new routes to enhance productivity and performance and pave the way for innovation.
“We combined technology with traditional energy sourcing to democratise the way companies access clean energy. It’s about creating smart products and services that disrupt the way energy buyers and project developers connect.”