Story
Philippines
Renewable energy tech
How entrepreneurs address rooftop solar challenges in the Philippines
ph rooftop solar

Rooftop solar panel. Stock photo

A recent study by Ateneo de Manila University, published in Challenges in Sustainability, sheds light on the persistent barriers preventing the widespread adoption of rooftop solar power (RTSP) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Led by Professor Rosalina Palanca-Tan, the study surveyed 403 respondents to understand why households remain hesitant to invest in solar technology despite its clear economic and environmental benefits.

The study’s findings were recently featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, sparking a public discussion on its Facebook post, which highlighted several recurring concerns: high upfront costs, lengthy return on investment (ROI) periods, bureaucratic hurdles, technical challenges, and a lack of government support. Let’s look into the key challenges raised around rooftop solar adoption, and explore potential solutions.

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A word cloud generated from people’s responses on the Facebook post.

Why aren’t more Filipinos switching to solar?

1. High cost of installation and ROI concerns

Many consumers cited the high initial cost of installing solar power systems as a major barrier. The upfront investment often matches several years’ worth of electricity bills, making it difficult for households to justify the expense. Additionally, long return-on-investment (ROI) periods discourage adoption, particularly in the absence of accessible financing options.

2. Lack of financing options

Access to financing remains a significant barrier to rooftop solar adoption. With limited options for low-interest loans or flexible payment schemes, households struggle to afford the initial investment, making solar installations less accessible to the broader public, especially to residential consumers.

3. Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles

The slow and complex application process for net metering was another major concern. Many consumers reported waiting over six months and encountering excessive requirements that hindered their ability to connect their solar systems to the grid.

4. Service and maintenance issues

Some consumers highlighted issues related to improper system sizing, inefficiency, and high maintenance costs. Concerns included roof leaks due to poor installation, the lifespan of batteries, and the disposal of solar panels. These barriers make the transition to solar more challenging for prospective users.

5. Quality of solar technologies & local manufacturing

The absence of local solar manufacturers results in reliance on expensive imported components. Concerns about substandard or inefficient technologies make consumers hesitant to invest.

6. Lack of government support and incentives

Unlike countries such as Australia and Canada, which offer tax breaks, subsidies, and no-interest loans, the Philippine government provides minimal financial incentives for residential RTSP. This lack of support further discourages households from making the switch to solar energy.

7. Limited competition in the market

The industry is still dominated by a few major players, limiting consumer choices and competitive pricing. More players entering the market could drive innovation and lower costs through competition.

Who’s addressing these gaps?

At New Energy Nexus Philippines, we recognize that overcoming these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach—one that not only enhances technical expertise but also builds trust within communities. This is why it’s important to empower the solar industry, especially smaller players, with the right tools and knowledge to drive solutions forward. Our programs, particularly the Solar Innovation Program (SIP) and Solar Community Meetups, are designed to do just that.

Strengthening the Solar Industry

SIP provides targeted support for solar PV installers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, and solar equipment suppliers to improve their competitiveness in the market. Through learning sessions and workshops, participants gain essential knowledge in:

  • Addressing common challenges in closing deals with clients;
  • Effectively promoting and marketing their services;
  • Exploring financing mechanisms with financial institutions to make solar more affordable for households; and;
  • Expanding business opportunities beyond residential installations.

By empowering solar entrepreneurs, SIP tackles concerns related to business growth, financing gaps, and limited competition in the market. A stronger and more competitive solar industry ultimately leads to better installation quality, reduced costs, and more accessible financing options for households.

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SIP 2024 graduates during the culminating activity in Cebu City.

Building Trust in the Industry

Beyond technical training, shifting public perception is crucial for accelerating RTSP adoption. Our Solar Community Meetups serve as a bridge between solar entrepreneurs, technical experts, policymakers, and consumers by fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These gatherings provide a space for entrepreneurs to exchange insights and share best practices, address bureaucratic challenges with government stakeholders, streamline net metering processes, and advocate for stronger policy support. Additionally, they highlight success stories from early adopters, encouraging more households to consider solar power.

By fostering an ecosystem of collaboration and trust, Solar Community Meetups contribute to addressing skepticism and misinformation surrounding RTSP. The insights gathered from these discussions also help inform future policy recommendations, ensuring that the needs of solar entrepreneurs and consumers are effectively addressed.

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DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol presenting the Department of Energy’s renewable energy plans at the SCM in Davao.

A collective effort for solar growth

The concerns raised in the Facebook post reflect the frustrations and aspirations of many Filipinos when it comes to solar energy adoption. While challenges such as high costs, bureaucratic red tape, and technical difficulties persist, programs like the SIP and Solar Community Meetups provide platforms that empower solar entrepreneurs to drive industry-wide improvements.

Panel discussion during the SIP 2024 culmination featuring Hon. Nestor Archival (Cebu City Government), Engr. Titus Ragrario (Jinko Solar), Engr. Richard Alfafara (Visayan Electric Company – VECO), and Engr. Woodrow Pino (Woodrow Solar Power), sharing insights on accelerating rooftop solar adoption. Photo

Ultimately, expanding the adoption of RTSP in the Philippines requires a collective effort from businesses, the government, private companies, and Filipino communities. By equipping solar entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources, and by fostering trust through community engagement, we can create a more inclusive and resilient solar industry that benefits both consumers and the environment.


Want to get more involved in the Filipino clean energy space? Learn more about our programs in the Philippines here.

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Australia
Renewable energy tech
Why Australia is key to the global battery future

Australia is charging ahead in the race to build a battery-powered world—and the timing couldn’t be better.

The nation’s growing role in the global battery supply chain took center stage at our recent webinar, Australia’s Time to Charge: Powering the Battery Future. The hour-long session, part of our Just Batteries initiative, explored how battery innovation, mass EV retrofitting, and smart policy could transform Australia into a clean energy powerhouse.

These industry experts led the discussion, held virtually on June 19, 2025:

  • Kirk McDonald, Project Manager- Supercharge Australia, New Energy Nexus
  • Andrew Chang, Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus
  • Kyle Van Berendonck, Founder, Veepower
  • Derick Gyabeng, Program Lead – Supercharge Australia, EnergyLab

Why this conversation matters

The battery supply chain is the backbone of the energy transition, and Australia’s unique mix of critical minerals, renewable energy resources, supportive policies, and skilled workforce positions it to lead the way.

This is what we’re backing through Supercharge Australia, a collaboration between New Energy Nexus and EnergyLab. The program aims to support 150+ local startups, empowering them with mentorship, funding pathways, and global connections to expand Australia’s lithium battery value chain.

6 key insights from the webinar

1. Australia’s global opportunity is now

Australia is well-positioned to become a significant player in the battery-powered electrical transformation. Here’s why:

There are signals from state and federal governments that they want to move away from a fossil fuel-based export economy, such as:

  • Signing an agreement with 40 other countries at COP28 to phase out offshore support for coal, oil, and gas projects;
  • Passing the Future Made in Australia policy, which committed AU$22.7 billion over 10 years to build domestic capacity in green hydrogen, solar panel manufacturing, critical minerals processing, green metals, low‑carbon liquid fuels, and clean-energy manufacturing;
  • Australia could be a leader in homegrown battery manufacturing, and critical minerals refining and processing; and,
  • It’s building on a “globally competitive” battery export industry. Queensland alone is investing hundreds of millions into a sector that it believes will be worth US$1.3 billion by 2030, and can create up to 9,100 green jobs.

2. Mass EV retrofits could boost battery demand 20-fold

Retrofitting existing vehicles—especially commercial fleets—is a faster, cheaper, and lower-carbon way to scale EV adoption. Our second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge spotlighted 12 startups electrifying everything from mining trucks to boats.

The current projection of a 65GWh demand for stationary storage by 2030 could be massively higher with mass EV retrofits. Multiplying Australia’s vehicles by their estimated battery capacity, turning half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into EVs could multiply local battery demand 20-fold to over 1.3TWh, enough to justify domestic cell production and build a full onshore value chain (more here).

3. Startups like Veepower are leading the way

Kyle Van Berendonck, founder of Veepower and Retrofit Nation challenge winner, introduced Veepilot: a drop-in EV brain that lets large garages and re-manufacturers, through to individual garages, convert vehicles to electric with professional and supportable software — a key concern of retrofit solutions.

After a tour of California’s thriving clean energy ecosystem with New Energy Nexus, Veepower is now raising AU$500K from climate-focused investors to scale in Australia.

4. Smart policy can unlock big impact

The discussion emphasized the need for policies to support battery retrofits, including:

  • Support the emerging startup practitioners with ambitious non-dilutive government grant funding
  • Launch an AU$100–200M finance facility for training to upskill workers and kit production for vehicle upgrade
  • Establish mass EV retrofit precincts, particularly in regional Australia
  • Prioritize public fleet conversions to seed early demand

These interventions could support thousands of upskilled ICE workers (such as mechanics and automotive electricians) and create a more circular, cost-effective battery and transportation economy.

5. Startup support is critical

Through tailored workshops, mentorship, and investor-readiness training, the Supercharge Australia Incubator aims to help founders bridge key gaps in prototyping, lab access, and commercialization. As Kirk McDonald and EnergyLab project lead Derick Gyabeng said in the webinar, early-stage startups need consistent, generous support to grow from an idea to an investment-ready solution.

Moreover, Supercharge Australia is leading a push to bring learnings from California’s best practice startup testing program, CalTestBed, to Australia. As part of the CalSEED-CalTestBed pair offering US$1M in non-matching and non-dilutive support to founders, startups can receive vouchers up to US$300K in value to use at the University of California and National Labs testing facilities across the state.

CalTestBed has supported over 150 startups with $45M in vouchers, with over 40% being received by women and under-represented founders.

6. Australia’s Leadership Can Power the Region

The country’s battery innovation doesn’t stop at its borders. With Southeast Asia on the path to rapid electrification, Australia’s EV retrofitting industry can serve a region set to reach 770 million people by 2050.

Supporting Australia’s battery supply chain at this stage could play a huge role in the region’s clean energy transition.


Why ‘Just Batteries’

Batteries are the linchpin of the clean energy transition. But how we build this industry matters as much as how fast we scale it.

At New Energy Nexus, we believe battery innovation must be just, inclusive, and community-led. Today, the battery supply chain is dominated by a few countries and companies, with little accountability to communities, workers, or the environment. Battery recycling and reuse are underinvested solutions. And left unchecked, the race for minerals and manufacturing could replicate the injustices of the fossil fuel era.

This is what our Just Batteries initiative addresses. We have supported 116 startups across the battery value chain—from extraction to recycling—while shaping an innovation ecosystem rooted in equity, access, and sustainability.

Our work spans the full ecosystem, from startup accelerators and testbeds to international market access, because building a clean energy future means backing entrepreneurs at every stage.

Join us, invest in these startups, and let’s supercharge the transition in Australia and beyond. Check out how you can support this initiative and more here.

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Story
Renewable energy tech
How startups are making batteries cheaper, longer-lasting, and recyclable
enzinc photo

Michael Burz, EnZinc co-founder and president.

Advanced batteries are the linchpin of the energy transition, from stabilising energy grids to powering electric vehicles. But the critical minerals needed to produce them are sourced with limited transparency or accountability to workers, communities, or the environment. Recycling and reuse remain vastly underdeveloped, risking a repeat of fossil fuel-era harms through excessive extraction and mounting waste. Imagine if every battery were designed for maximum efficiency, reused before it was recycled, and re-entered the supply chain without ever becoming waste. By turning to circular solutions, we could reduce resource pressure and avoid the looming bottlenecks threatening this booming sector. The good news: entrepreneurs are embedding circularity throughout the battery lifecycle. This is what we’re building at New Energy Nexus. Our Just Batteries initiative has supported 116 startups across the battery value chain—from extraction to recycling—while shaping an innovation ecosystem rooted in equity, access, and sustainability. Here’s a closer look at some of the solutions we’re surfacing around the world.

1. Batteries aren’t designed for circularity

Solution: Upstream tech making batteries safer and recyclable

Most batteries today are built for cost and performance, not for reuse, disassembly, or recycling. This design blind spot leads to costly, waste-heavy end-of-life challenges. GRST presented its solution at our Thai team’s Decarbonize Thailand Symposium 2025: a water-based binder replacing toxic PFAS in lithium-ion batteries, which enables clean disassembly and water-based recycling without sacrificing performance or cost. Their tech has been proven at 1 GWh commercial scale, making it a practical upgrade for manufacturers and recyclers alike.

2. Second-life opportunities go untapped

Solution: Modular systems that extend battery life

Used EV batteries still hold significant energy, but most are retired prematurely. Without clear reuse pathways, valuable materials are lost too early. Norwegian startup Evyon gives these batteries a second life. Their modular energy storage systems repurpose EV packs into plug-and-play units for buildings and grids, already deployed in six countries and reducing emissions by over 90% compared to using new batteries. Evyon won 2024 LGES Battery Challenge, co-hosted by LG Energy Solution and NEX China—along with one other enterprise we’ll talk about later.

3. Recycling is inefficient and environmentally risky

Solution: Clean recovery of critical materials without toxic waste

Traditional recycling methods rely on high heat or harsh chemicals and generate hazardous byproducts like black mass. It’s costly, emissions-heavy, and difficult to scale. Renewable Metals, led by Luan Atkinson, developed an alkali-based process that recovers over 95% of battery minerals without generating toxic waste. Presenting a safer, cleaner, and more economically viable system for the future of battery recycling, Renewable Metals won the first Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge, our collaboration with EnergyLab.

4. Battery lifespan is too short

Solution: Smarter charging that prevents degradation

Premature degradation drives up demand for raw materials and puts pressure on manufacturing and disposal systems. Thus, extending battery life is one of the most immediate ways to reduce resource consumption. US-based Iontra came up with a charging technology that adjusts in real time to battery conditions, significantly reducing wear and tear. Their solution extends battery life and improves performance, helping keep batteries in use longer and out of landfills. Iontra shared the win with Evyon at the 2024 LGES Battery Challenge, both receiving cash prizes and support from LG Energy Solution in their pilot projects.

5. We rely too much on critical minerals

Solution: Mineral-free storage that complements batteries

Building more batteries isn’t the only answer. To stabilize clean energy systems long-term, we also need alternative storage options that reduce pressure on mineral supply chains. California-based Sperra, which earned a US$500,000 grant from the CalSEED Prototype Awards, is developing subsea pumped hydro storage using 3D-printed concrete spheres. Deployed on the ocean floor, their system stores and releases energy without using a single battery cell, offering a durable, scalable complement to electrochemical storage. Also in the Golden State, Enzinc is rethinking battery chemistry altogether. Instead of lithium or cobalt, they’re developing high-performance batteries using zinc: a material that’s safer, more abundant, and fully recyclable. Their technology is designed to power everything from e-bikes to home storage, expanding access to affordable, sustainable energy storage without deepening reliance on critical minerals.

Powering the shift to circularity

There are more entrepreneurs around the world who could make battery circularity a reality, but they need a strong ecosystem backing them up and scaling their impact. We’re proud to support them, and we invite you to join us in powering what’s next. If you’re a clean energy entrepreneur with a unique battery solution, check out our programs. For potential partners and investors interested in getting involved, find out how.

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Philippines
Renewable energy tech
What universities in the Philippines need to power up clean energy innovation

The clean energy transition isn’t just happening in labs or boardrooms—it’s also being built on university campuses across the Philippines. At the heart of this movement are Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), which help entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

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That’s why New Energy Nexus Philippines, together with UMWAD Consortium, DOST Region 6, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), and Innovate Iloilo, recently hosted an Energy Incubation Program Training for university TBIs in Region 6. This hands-on training brought together 11 universities and institutions* from across the Visayas to build the skills, partnerships, and strategies needed to launch the next generation of climate-tech and clean energy startups.

Here’s what we learned—and why it matters.

1. 🚀 Energy innovation needs a boost from campus to market
From solar-powered aquaculture to digital energy audits, university teams in the Visayas are brimming with ideas. But many clean energy startups still struggle with business models and go-to-market strategies. TBIs are stepping up to fill this gap—but they need more support to guide founders from research to revenue.

2. 🔍 Manual energy audits are holding back progress
Several universities highlighted how energy auditing is still done manually—a time-consuming and inefficient process. Digitizing these audits presents a major opportunity for startups and researchers to develop tech-based solutions that can scale across the region.

3. 📚 Clean energy is sparking curiosity in classrooms
Interest in energy innovation is growing among students and faculty alike. At schools like the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, clean energy topics—from IoT to smart grids—are becoming central to research and student projects. That’s a strong sign of a rising talent pipeline.

4. 🏛️ Stronger university integration = stronger incubation
To thrive, TBIs need to be embedded into the fabric of the university—not siloed from students, researchers, or decision-makers. Active outreach and curriculum alignment can help make energy entrepreneurship a core part of the academic journey.

5. 🤝 Co-incubation is the way forward
NEX Philippines is inviting TBIs to co-incubate energy startups with us—combining resources, networks, and expertise. It’s a powerful model for supporting startups that are tackling the region’s biggest energy challenges. (This reflects NEX’s global strategy of ecosystem collaboration.)

6. 💸 Funding and experts are make-or-break for TBIs
TBIs need more than just enthusiasm. Sustained operations require access to technical experts, funding sources, and proven business models. Without this, even the most promising ideas risk stalling out before they leave the lab.

7. 🎓 Energy entrepreneurship needs to be taught
TBIs are exploring how to integrate clean energy into research, extension programs, and classroom instruction. Building climate-tech capacity isn’t just about startup competitions—it’s about transforming the entire education system to prepare innovators for the real world.

Mervin Perez of Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas HIVE TBI, presenting their startup incubation plan.

What’s Next for Region 6?

This training is just the beginning. NEX Philippines is already planning:

  • Follow-up workshops on energy trends, startup mentorship, and sustainable business modeling
  • Demo days and showcases to spotlight regional clean energy innovations
  • Curriculum development aligned with energy entrepreneurship
  • Ecosystem-building efforts that connect universities with funders, government, and private sector partners

Behind every climate-tech startup is an ecosystem that helped make it happen. And as this training showed, Region 6 is full of institutions ready to lead.

NEX Philippines is proud to support this momentum—and we’re just getting started. Find out more about our work in the Philippines!


The workshop brought together 11 TBIs and institutions across the region:

West Visayas State University BINHI TBI | University of the Philippines – Visayas Seeds TBI | Iloilo Science and Technology University KWADRA TBI | Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas HIVE | Northern Iloilo State University QUINTO | Capiz State University CAPSULE Agri-Aqua TBI | Central Philippines University CPUGAD TBI | Guimaras State University ISLA TBI | University of Antique | Coastline 5023: DOST – UP Visayas Fisheries TBI | Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology DIKE

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California
Renewable energy tech
The Future of Energy Storage: Lifecycles, Longevity, and Innovation

the future of battery storage blogpost hero image

A report from the International Energy Agency found that 35 percent of emissions reductions needed to reach net zero depend on technology that has yet to be commercialized. That’s why supporting early-stage clean energy innovators is critical to the energy transition and reducing emissions. California’s clean energy transition depends on better energy storage; some of the most exciting breakthroughs are happening now. The latest CalSEED Prototype Award winners are tackling big questions about battery lifespan, recyclability, and how we store power more efficiently and sustainably. From next-gen potassium-ion batteries to innovative battery recycling techniques, these startups are reshaping energy storage. Let’s look at five game-changing solutions in battery storage:

1. ExPost Technology: Giving Batteries a Second Life

We rely on lithium-ion batteries for everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, but what happens when they reach the end of their life? ExPost Technology is rethinking battery recycling—a process that extracts valuable materials without fully breaking down components.. This means less waste, fewer new materials needed, and a stronger circular economy for batteries—something we’ll need as energy storage demand skyrockets. Using Purification and Regeneration Integrated Materials Engineering (PRIME), ExPost recovers pristine quality battery components from battery scraps and end-of-life batteries. With its prominent economic, efficient, and eco-friendly process, this scalable method has the potential to reshape the battery recycling industry.

calseed expost

Photo from ExPost Technology

2. Project K Energy:Making Lithium-Free Batteries a Reality

Lithium has long been the go-to material for batteries, but it’s expensive and difficult to source sustainably. Project K Energy is developing potassium-ion batteries—a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative for large-scale energy storage. Since potassium is much more abundant than lithium, this technology has the potential to cut costs and make clean energy storage more accessible. Project K’s innovation lies in optimizing potassium-based cathode, anode, and electrolyte components with fundamentally different properties than their lithium-ion counterparts. The potential benefits of these potassium-ion batteries include faster charging, lower costs (and less price volatility), better performance at low temperatures, and improved safety.

3. Activated Energy: A Safer, More Sustainable Way to Store Power

Battery safety is a huge concern, especially when dealing with flammable or toxic materials. Activated Energy is reimagining energy storage—making it safer, sustainable, and even carbon-negative. Their innovative solid-state system stores energy by compressing carbon dioxide using eco-friendly materials, creating a compact solution that’s both scalable and long-lasting. Activated Energy’s product builds on compressed air energy storage (CAES) and CO2 energy storage combined with innovative solid-state sorption technology. It has reduced costs and sourcing concerns, as well as increased stability over lithium technologies. In addition to being non-toxic and nonflammable, the proprietary low-pressure storage technology reduces the footprint of the storage system, making it more suitable for congested urban environments than competing large-footprint gas-based storage systems, which require land resources most likely unavailable in urban areas. This long-duration energy storage system improves grid resilience for urban communities, reduces strain on electrical transmission lines, is non-flammable, and enables greater renewable energy adoption.

4. Sperra: Storing Energy Beneath the Ocean

One of the biggest challenges with renewable energy is ensuring we can store power when it is needed most. Sperra has a fascinating solution: Marine Pumped Hydroelectric (MPH) Storage. They’re designing 3D-printed concrete spheres on the ocean floor that store and release energy in sync with offshore wind farms. Unlike traditional energy storage, this system could last decades without losing efficiency. This approach bypasses the land use and permitting challenges that often limit pumped hydro projects. It can be deployed along coastlines or paired directly with offshore wind farms to boost efficiency and lower costs. With innovations like their patented multi-sphere “pod” design, automated 3D-printed manufacturing, and shared infrastructure with other ocean energy projects, Sperra is creating a new, cost-effective path for long-duration energy storage beneath the waves.

calseed sperra

Sperra’s SPSH systems are designed to be manufactured in 2 MW to 5 MW modules in US ports using locally available materials and labor. Photo from Sperra

5. Aepnus Technology: Cleaning Up Battery Manufacturing

It’s not just about how long batteries last—how they’re made also matters. Aepnus Technology is working on a cleaner, more cost-effective way to produce lithium salts and other battery materials. By making the production process more sustainable, they’re helping reduce the overall carbon footprint of energy storage systems from the start. Aepnus Technology’s innovation uses electricity instead of fossil fuel-based chemicals, reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy. By integrating the system on-site, manufacturers can cut waste disposal costs and achieve up to 35% savings on chemical expenditures. This solution enhances the sustainability and circularity of the battery industry while addressing critical chemical management challenges and contributing to the decarbonization of emissions-heavy chemical manufacturing processes. Aepnus’s ultra-efficient electrolyzers run on renewable energy to process essential materials like lithium salts and other reagents. They are advancing a novel electrolysis platform that recycles sodium sulfate—a common chemical waste in the battery supply chain—into valuable reagents (sulfuric acid and caustic soda), essential for refining battery metals and manufacturing cathode active materials.

Where Energy Storage Is Headed 

The energy storage industry is evolving fast, and these companies are leading the charge toward longer-lasting, more sustainable solutions. Whether it’s recycling old batteries, developing new materials, or rethinking how we store power, these innovations will be critical in the clean energy transition. A future energy system won’t just rely on making better batteries—it’ll depend on keeping valuable materials in use through smart recycling and circular design. With continued investment and support, we’re looking at a future where energy storage isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a key pillar of a cleaner, more resilient, and circular power system. If these startups are any indication, the best is yet to come.

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Renewable energy tech
The scale effect: How climate startups are mitigating millions of tons of emissions

Each Earth Day, we’re reminded of the stakes. Wildfires, floods, and rising seas make it obvious that climate change isn’t just a looming threat; it’s here.

But amid the urgency, there’s also momentum on the solutions front—quietly building in labs, garages, solar farms, and startup accelerators around the world.

In over 20 years building ecosystems for climate and clean energy innovation, we’ve seen founders come up with ingenious ideas that are now driving decarbonization. Startups start small but can deliver exponential impact at scale, and we can actually model potential mitigated emissions as they grow (based on factors including current performance, projected growth trajectories, and market penetration rates).

In fact, from our portfolio of nearly 1,500 climate startups and businesses, we’re spotlighting seven that could collectively reduce over four million metric tons of emissions (CO2e) by 2030. That’s the equivalent of taking nearly 59,000 cars off the road. Learn more below.

 

bedrock 1

Photo from Bedrock Energy

Bedrock Energy (United States)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2024): 32 tons
Potential emissions mitigated (2025-2030): 212,498 tons

Bedrock Energy is making geothermal heating and cooling viable for buildings in dense cities, through a proprietary drilling and tech platform that cuts cost, space, time, and risk by 3–5x. The company was named one of America’s Top Greentech Companies in 2024 by TIME and Statista. In early 2025, Bedrock raised US$12 million in Series A funding to advance and expand their technology.

Bedrock Energy joined our New York program The Clean Fight’s Food Service cohort, focused on decarbonizing the storage, distribution, and retail of food. On top of matchmaking opportunities, expert insights, and bespoke support services, Bedrock became eligible to receive up to US$125,000 to implement their demonstration project in New York State.

 

hive energy 1

Hive Energy PH installs a 1.7kWh solar energy system for an off-grid community in 2021, then their largest project. Photo from Hive Energy

Hive Energy PH (Philippines)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2024): 127 tons
Potential emissions mitigated (2025-2030): 5,703 tons

Hive Energy PH delivers portable solar generators, battery storage, and solar installations to provide reliable, clean power—especially for underserved communities, students, and remote workers.

CEO & Founder Joseph Amiel Camingal first joined our online course with BARAS TBI in July 2020, where he sparked the idea for a portable energy backup solution. Six months later, he entered our Startup Acceleration Program to strengthen his business skills and scale his startup.

Now, Amiel is joining NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025 to further grow Hive Energy PH and expand access to sustainable, dependable energy across the country.

 

Kazam (India)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2022-2024): 35,310 tons

Kazam was founded by Akshay Shekar and Vaibhav Tyagi to make clean mobility more accessible. Today, it’s one of India’s leading EV charging networks—smart, affordable, and built for everyone, from two-wheelers to commercial fleets. With 50,000+ chargers deployed, Kazam is breaking down barriers to EV adoption nationwide.

Through our ElectronVibe program, Kazam partnered with an Indian utility to tackle real-world EV infrastructure challenges, earning first place in the 2022 EV Infrastructure Management Track.

In 2024, Kazam raised US$8 million in Series A3 funding to expand its network and boost its technology.

 

Sepion (California)

Potential emissions (CO2e) mitigated (2025-2030): 1.4 million tons

Sepion is advancing lithium-metal batteries that boost EV range by 40% and cut energy costs by 15%, using breakthrough membrane technology that protects lithium and integrates with existing lithium-ion manufacturing. In 2023, Sepion also developed an AI-driven liquid electrolyte that reduces EV fire risks.

New Energy Nexus supported Sepion early on through our CalSEED program’s concept and prototype awards, helping de-risk their membrane tech. This support enabled Sepion to retire key technical risks, close an oversubscribed Series A in 2021, and bring on Solvay as a strategic investor.

 

Solar Run Energy (China)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2024): 127 tons
Potential emissions mitigated (2025-2030): 5,703 tons

Li Xia grew up in rural China without electricity—an experience that inspired her mission to bring power to off-grid communities. In 2016, she founded Solar Run Energy, delivering clean, affordable solar solutions across sub-Saharan Africa, from solar lights to full home systems.

In 2022, she launched Solar Media, bringing solar-powered tablets with educational and vocational content to remote Kenyan villages—impacting over 3,000 people so far.

With support from New Energy Nexus, Li gained mentorship, capital access, and a global platform through the NEX COP28 Climate Tech Accelerator to scale her vision.

 

SWAP Energi (Indonesia)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2021-2024): 50,448 tons

SWAP Energi is a pioneering e-mobility start-up focusing on tech-driven swappable energy infrastructure, including portable battery packs, swapping stations, and SMOOT e-motorcycles in Indonesia. The company also developed a user-friendly SWAP Energi app, which helps riders locate stations, track reservations, and receive maintenance alerts.

New Energy Nexus supported them by connecting with investors, assisting with funding documents, and offering acceleration program guidance. As a result, SWAP Energi now operates over 800 swap stations across 14 provinces as of 2023.

Through partnerships with Grab and PLN, SWAP Energi is building an integrated EV ecosystem, advancing the adoption of electric motorcycles in Indonesia’s growing market.

 

xurya 1

Photo from Xurya Daya Indonesia

Xurya (Indonesia)

Emissions (CO2e) reduced (2020-2024): 225,673 tons
Potential emissions mitigated (2025-2030): 570,252 tons

In Indonesia, high upfront costs have long blocked businesses from switching to solar—slowing progress on climate goals and energy affordability. Xurya Daya solves this with an innovative zero-upfront-cost rooftop solar rental model, enabling commercial and industrial clients to access clean power without capital barriers. Xurya is scaling fast—deploying over 170 projects, and mitigating 225,674MT of GHG emissions since we first supported them.

New Energy Nexus, through its Indonesia 1 Fund, co-invested alongside East Ventures, Saratoga, and Schneider Electric in its US$21.5 million Series A round — the largest Series A funding ever raised by a clean energy startup in Indonesia. They have also received extensive support through programs we operate in Indonesia.

What else can be done?

Strong policy support
Governments must create a more conducive environment for climate solutions through procurement, tax incentives, and regulatory clarity—making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses.

Accessible, early-stage capital
Climate innovation is risky, but necessary. Blended finance, catalytic funds, and climate-aligned venture capital can unlock growth where private capital alone won’t go.

Thriving innovation ecosystem
Accelerators, manufacturing hubs, distribution networks, and cross-border partnerships are essential for solutions to move fast and far.


If you’re an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking climate solution, we’re here to support your success. Explore our programs and subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of opportunities in the sector.

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Australia
Renewable energy tech
Next-gen battery innovators join first-ever Supercharge Australia Incubator

Sydney, 8 April 2025 – Supercharge Australia is proud to announce the cohort selected for its latest program, the inaugural Supercharge Australia Incubator, designed to accelerate Australia’s lithium battery manufacturing and innovation capabilities through support of early-stage companies in prototype phase.

From battery chemistry breakthroughs and AI-powered energy technologies to materials innovation, recycling, second-life systems, and electrified mobility and infrastructure, this diverse group of startups represents a wave of transformative solutions for Australia’s battery value chain.

“Supercharge Australia aims to dramatically increase the flow of Australian founders and new businesses in the lithium battery value chain that can be supported by and take advantage of new funding programs like the AU$500M Battery Breakthrough Initiative, the AU$15B National Reconstruction Fund and the AU$23B Future Made in Australia program,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.

“This cohort is a great reflection of the breadth and ambition of Australian startup innovation in the battery sector,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab. Strengthening Australia’s innovation capability is critical—not only to securing our clean energy supply chain but also to fostering new companies, future employers, and manufacturers that will drive our economy forward.”

zoom kickoff

The first-ever Supercharge Australia Incubator cohort, during the virtual kickoff.

Meet the 2025 cohort:

  • Adoxima (VIC) – Co-founded by Dr. Vyom Parashar and Kristoffer Collopy, Adoxima produces high-purity metal oxides for battery applications and clean hydrogen as a by-product.
  • CarboPhite (VIC)Dr. Mehrdad Parsa and his team are developing a cutting-edge, cost-effective, and eco-friendly carbon-coating technology for sustainable anode production and enhancing battery performance.
  • InnoVoltIQ Tech (NSW)Dylan Wei Zhang is leveraging existing technology to build an Australian battery and cell manufacturing capability.
  • Li-ion Energy (WA) – Founded by Sarai Ball and Justin Manton, Li-ion Energy is reconditioning, recycling, and transforming lithium battery waste into reusable energy solutions.
  • Naut (NZ) – Led by Fiona Bycroft and Lindsay Faithfull, Naut builds high-powered electric propulsion systems that go into the boat of your choice.
  • Net Zero Engineering Solutions (SA)Portia Rooney is providing consumer-focused bidirectional charging solutions for EVs
  • Noizend (NSW) – Founded by Paul Monsted, Noizend is bringing people together through physics-informed active noise control for battery energy storage systems
  • Powerblocks (NSW)Julie Leung and Robert Mortimer are making energy storage for better communities – safe, modular and beautiful.
  • Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia (QLD) – Founded by Andrew Chadwick, this startup uses second-life batteries to bring affordable energy storage to Australians
  • Voltavate (VIC)Amir Hooshang Taheri is revolutionising battery manufacturing with nanofiber-engineered separators that double battery life, improve safety, and reduce production waste and cost.

Over 12 weeks, the incubator provides hands-on support, strategic guidance, and ecosystem and investor connections for Australian founders building the future of energy storage and electrification. For more information on the Supercharge Australia Incubator, click here.

Supercharge Australia, a joint project of New Energy Nexus and EnergyLab, is accelerating Australia’s lithium battery value chain, catalyzing sovereign capability across the battery supply chain—from critical minerals to manufacturing, deployment, second-life and recycling.

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 240 startups and 150 aspiring founders through its various programs.

In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel platform with a network of over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 450 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.

Media contacts:

Kirk McDonald
Project Manager, Supercharge Australia
kirk.mcdonald@newenergynexus.com
+61 412 336 848

Tristan Tremschnig
Global Communications Director, New Energy Nexus
tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com
(based in San Francisco)

About New Energy Nexus

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive. NEX has accelerated 1,400 startups, empowered over 9,500 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam.

Follow NEX on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube

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Philippines
Renewable energy tech
Meet 6 startups scaling clean energy across the Philippines
nexacc

Eva Lisa Adoremos, Senior Vice President of GAIA Corp—a participant of NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025.

While the Philippines’ startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, clean energy startups remain underrepresented in mainstream acceleration programs.

According to the 2024 ecosystem report by New Energy Nexus (NEX) Philippines, there has been a sixfold increase in clean energy startups, collectively raising nearly $1.3 million. However, 87% of these funds came from grants and competitions, underscoring the sector’s reliance on non-investment-based funding sources.

Recognizing the need for targeted support, NEX Philippines launched NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025, an 8-month program dedicated to helping early-revenue and growth-stage clean energy and climate-tech startups scale their ventures. This year, six startups have joined the cohort, bringing innovative solutions across various sectors, from sustainable mobility to waste management and energy analytics.

Meet the startups with brilliant solutions in a country brimming with clean energy potential:

  • Lycan Motorcycles – Lycan Motorcycles is a 100% Filipino-owner electric vehicle (EV) company that designs, engineers and manufactures bespoke electric motorcycles and energy systems. They are the first to develop an AI- and IoT-enabled motorbike in the country.
  • Hive Energy PH – Hive Energy PH offers renewable energy-powered portable power stations as back-up power for island communities and businesses.
  • GAIA Corp – Focused on climate adaptation, GAIA’s CoolRoof Program is a geoengineering approach that mitigates heat gain by applying reflective coatings on buildings to reduce indoor temperatures and lower energy consumption.
  • Next2Fly – They provide a waste management solution through the use of black soldier flies. Next2Fly transforms organic waste into valuable resources such as larvae for animal feed and organic fertilizers.
  • Light of Hope  –  Light of Hope brings its renewable energy (RE)-powered cloud grid units to off-grid communities as a source for backup power and alternative energy.
  • Bayoa Analytics – Specializing in energy data modeling, Bayoa provides businesses with insights on energy trends and forecasts. Their expertise extends to hardware design (schematics, board designs, and prototyping) and software development, helping clients optimize energy consumption and efficiency.
lycan

Photo from Lycan Motorcycles, a participant of NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025

The impact of acceleration programs on clean energy innovation in the Philippines

Startup accelerators like NEXAccelerate Philippines are key to driving clean energy innovation. By providing mentorship, funding access, and business development support, they help startups tackle capital constraints, regulatory challenges, and market barriers.

This year’s cohort—Lycan Motorcycles advancing EV adoption, GAIA enhancing climate resilience with reflective tech, and Next2Fly innovating waste management through circular economy principles—are solving urgent environmental challenges. The program isn’t just about scaling startups; it’s about accelerating the Philippines’ energy transition through homegrown solutions.

With sustained support from investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, initiatives like NEXAccelerate are bridging the funding gap, strengthening ecosystems, and unlocking opportunities for climate-focused entrepreneurs—powering a cleaner, more resilient future.

NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025

The Philippines’ clean energy startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, with more entrepreneurs developing solutions to tackle climate change and advance the energy transition.

NEXAccelerate Philippines empowers startups with the skills, networks, and resources to secure investment and scale. The program includes tailored learning on fundraising and market expansion, expert mentorship, strategic networking, and pitching opportunities to investors and partners.

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California
Renewable energy tech
Eight startups powering California’s clean energy future

Oakland, CA, 17 March 2025 – The California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development (CalSEED) program is proud to celebrate the seventh annual Prototype Awards by recognizing eight groundbreaking companies: ThermoShade, Sunchem, Project K Energy, Westwood Aerogel, Sperra, Activated Energy, ExPost Technology, and Aepnus Technology. Selected through a rigorous business plan competition, each company stood out for its bold ideas and potential to transform California’s energy landscape — earning $500,000 to bring innovations closer to reality.

The business plan competition is closely coordinated with Cleantech Open (CTO). Eligible CalSEED Concept Awardees participate in CTO’s accelerator program, gaining valuable tools, insights, and mentorship to shape their business plans and pitches.

“This year’s winners are solving some of the toughest challenges facing our energy system,” said Joy Larson, Program Director of CalSEED, a program of New Energy Nexus. “From decarbonizing industrial heat to unlocking new ways to store and move energy, these teams represent the passion, ingenuity, and diversity of California’s clean energy community.”

Companies submitted business plans and pitched their ideas to panels of judges representing expertise in building start-ups, experience with industry-specific commercialization, and ability to evaluate rate-payer benefits.

The 2025 Prototype Awardees are working on technologies that address urgent needs for a more resilient and equitable energy system:

  • Activated Energy is creating a solid-state carbon dioxide storage technology that uses sustainable materials to build scalable, compact energy storage systems. Their solution is non-toxic, non-flammable, and carbon-negative, providing a safer alternative to conventional energy storage while enhancing grid resilience.
  • Aepnus Technology is designing low-cost electrolysis equipment to electrify and decarbonize the production of critical commodity chemicals, including lithium salts, hydrochloric acid, and caustic soda. Their technology supports the domestic production of key materials needed for the energy transition.
  • ExPost Technology is developing next-generation recycling and upcycling processes for lithium-ion batteries, helping to recover valuable materials and support a circular economy for battery production.
  • Project K Energy is developing potassium-ion batteries — a lithium-free, low-cost, and long-lived solution for grid-scale energy storage. Their technology uses abundant potassium materials to provide affordable, energy-efficient storage at scale. Project K Energy is partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E and the California Energy Commission to bring this next-generation battery technology to market.
  • Sperra (formerly RCAM Technologies) is developing Marine Pumped Hydroelectric (MPH) Storage pods that integrate with California’s floating offshore wind farms. This long-duration energy storage solution uses 3D-printed concrete spheres on the seafloor to store and release electricity, enabling reliable renewable energy delivery.
  • Sunchem is advancing nanotechnology-based filtration systems to selectively extract critical metals from complex water mixtures, helping industries improve water quality while recovering Sunchem’s valuable materials from waste streams.
  • ThermoShade is piloting patent-pending composite panels that integrate multiple passive cooling technologies, including phase change materials, to reduce building cooling costs and energy consumption. The panels can be affixed to an outdoor structure and create a shady space that feels up to 20°F cooler than under a basic awning and can replace shade structures, fans, and evaporative cooling solutions.
  • Westwood Aerogel is pioneering advanced aerogel insulation materials using a novel ambient drying process. Their continuous production method significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional aerogel manufacturing, making high-performance insulation more accessible and sustainable.

“We are honored to receive the Prototype Award, which supports the development of California’s first lithium battery direct recycling/upcycling pilot line,” said Benson Lam, CEO of ExPost. “This funding accelerates ExPost’s mission to commercialize an economical, environmentally friendly direct recycling technology—helping to build a circular battery economy and reinforce California’s leadership in clean energy.”

“We express our sincere gratitude to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and CalSEED for their generous funding of Activated Energy’s long-duration energy storage system,” said Cullen Quine, co-founder of Activated Energy. “This support will significantly enhance community-scale grid resilience during severe weather events and enable more efficient energy load shifting for electric utilities across California, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.”

CalSEED is a program of the New Energy Nexus, a global clean energy entrepreneur support network. It is funded through the California Energy Commission’s EPIC program, which invests approximately $130 million annually to advance clean energy technologies that benefit California’s ratepayers and communities.

The CalSEED community includes over 165 startups inventing new energy solutions, creating good jobs, and building a cleaner, more equitable energy system for all.

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News
Renewable energy tech
Hong Kong-based utility Towngas launches 4th TERA Award in partnership with NEX

Hong Kong, 24 February 2025 – Hong Kong-based utility Towngas, in partnership with New Energy Nexus (NEX), has launched the 4th TERA Award, a global initiative to identify and recognize exceptional, innovative green technologies and solutions that are poised for the future.

Through the competition, the organizers will offer the application scenarios, funding opportunities and resources to the entries with potential, helping them to bring their innovative ideas to fruition and achieve commercial success.

The prize of the award is US$1 million for the first-place winner, while runner up and third prize will receive US$100,000 and US$50,000.

Hong Kong skyline

Hong Kong skyline

Application categories include:

  • Renewable Energy: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, Biomass Energy
  • Energy Storage and Conversion: Electrochemical energy storage, Physical Energy, Energy conversion technologies,Thermal solutions (e.g air source heat pumps)
  • CCUS Technology: Carbon Capture, Carbon Utilization, Carbon Storage, Methane Emissions Control
  • Green fuel & hydrogen energy: Sustainable biomass processing tech, Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Green methanol, Hydrogen production, transmission and storage, Hydrogen energy applications
  • Intelligent Energy Systems: Energy Internet, Virtual Power Plant, Energy management
  • Smart City: Green Smart Kitchens, Home Energy Management Solutions, Green City Planning (e.g. Green Transportation, Green Buildings, Waste Management, Air Quality Management)

In its past three editions, Tera-Award has attracted applications from 933 green tech start-ups across 59 countries and regions, thereby establishing a significant impact within the global energy innovation ecosystem.

New Energy Nexus China has been supporting Tera-Award for three years. Every year, we link global ecological partner resources, fully support the recruitment and promotion of the competition, and jointly accelerate the implementation of advanced green energy technologies.

The application window is until April 9th, 2025. Apply now for US$1 million for Gold Prize, and chance to accelerate with Towngas energy sandbox!

Media contacts:

Tristan Tremschnig
Global Communications Director, New Energy Nexus
tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com 
(Based in San Francisco)

About New Energy Nexus

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive. NEX has accelerated 1,400 startups, empowered over 9,500 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam.

Follow NEX on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube