Start-Ups as Drivers of Innovation and Change to Expand and Optimise the Grid

The smarter E Podcast Episode 242 | November 6, 2025 | Language: English

We dive into one of the most exciting areas of the energy transition: the expansion and optimisation of our power grids and the role that startups play in this. There's no question that the big players in the energy industry are important. But more and more often, it's the young, courageous companies that are driving change in the system with fresh ideas, new technologies, and unusual business models.

However, they need to tackle quite a few hurdles on their way. How do start-ups manage to assert themselves in a highly regulated and technically demanding industry? How do they work with grid operators, municipal utilities, or energy suppliers, and where do they encounter resistance?

We talk about this with Johan Söderbom, Thematic Leader for Smart Grids and Energy Storage at EIT InnoEnergy.

About The smarter E Podcast

The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.

Click on the logo to listen to the podcast on the platform of your choice.

About Johan Söderbom and EIT InnoEnergy

Johan Söderbom, Thematic Leader at EIT InnoEnergy

Between 1995 and 2014, Johan worked at the northern European Utility Vattenfall AB in various positions in R&D. From 2014 to 2019, Johan was heading a section at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) responsible for electrical and optical measurement technology, and he now holds the position of thematic leader for Smart Grids and Energy Storage at EIT InnoEnergy.

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Martin Vogt and Dr. Julian Hochscherf
Back to the Future: Why the Past Wasn’t Really Better

The smarter E Podcast Episode 202 | Language: English

December 12, 2024

We speak with Martin Vogt and Dr. Julian Hochscherf about the progress in the electricity market

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Issue 14 | January 15, 2025

Study on the heat pump market Germany - Part 1

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Empowering Industry in the Energy Transition With Flexibility

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

The smarter E Europe Conference 2023 | Conference Program

free account

Our European energy system is undergoing a major transformation, moving towards decentralization with increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) connected to the grid, such as PV solar, battery storage, and EVs. While DERs provide clear benefits such as limiting costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and helping to empower consumers, there are still challenges to overcome to develop DERs to their full potential. This session will focus on best practices and innovative projects, both from a grid and user perspective (e.g. energy communities) and we will discuss how the regulatory framework can be improved to facilitate the penetration of DERs and active participation from consumers.

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025
User-Centric Innovations

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 02:00 pm - 03:30 pm

Power2Drive South America Conference 2025 | Conference Program

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Who said charging is only about plugging in? Emerging mobility paradigms involve user experience, convenience, and smart solutions. This session showcases innovations that place the user at the helm of the journey, from app usability and charging station accessibility to integration with other modes of transport and efficient service. Real-world examples and practical insights will show how to make charging more intuitive, dependable, and aligned with the consumer's routine.

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