London, 2 April 2014 – KiWi Power, the UK’s leading smart grid and energy demand management company, has opened an office in Singapore to develop smart-grid hardware and software technologies. This will allow KiWi Power to provide interruptible load and demand response services and bring its expertise and leading smart technology platform to Asia.
Rising energy use in the region has resulted in the International Energy Agency (IEA) urging countries to take serious action to reduce power usage and improve energy efficiency. Demand response is an effective and financially attractive way for large energy users to reduce energy consumption, lower their carbon footprint and generate new revenue streams.
Ziko Abram, director and co-founder of KiWi Power, said: “Southeast Asia is an important market for us and we look forward to developing a strong presence in the region. Our new office enables KiWi Power to play an important role in helping Singapore and other countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy security. We are particularly excited to be working with the Government of Singapore, which has in 50 short years, become an international leader in clean technology and business development.”
Energy demand
Reports show that energy demand in the region could increase by more than 80% in the next 20 years, and around $1.7 trillion of investment in the energy supply infrastructure will be required over the same period. To address the rise in economic and environmental pressure, many governments and organisations have begun promoting energy efficiency as a key strategic initiative.
Expansion
Singapore is KiWi Power’s third office opening following London and Tel Aviv and marks its entry into the Asia Pacific Region (APAC). Singapore is expected to serve as a launch pad for further regional expansion.
Goh Chee Kiong, Executive Director, Cleantech, Building & Infrastructure Solutions at Singapore’s Economic Development Board, said: “Smart grid and demand response represent a focus area for Singapore, in line with the strong potential for commercial applications in Asia. Companies can leverage Singapore’s strengths in technology, systems integration and whole-of-government coordination to develop, test and commercialise innovative clean energy solutions for global markets.
“KiWi Power’s new Asia Pacific office in Singapore will increase the vibrancy of the clean energy industry ecosystem by developing new demand response solutions.”
What is demand response?
Demand response works by allowing customers to temporarily turn down non-essential systems, such as lighting and air conditioning, for short periods of time during periods when energy grids experience heavy demand for electricity. It is a mechanism that allows network operators to balance the supply and demand of electricity during times of grid stress. This approach reduces the need to generate more power using fossil-fuelled power stations.
Demand response is included in the UK Government’s Energy Bill as part of the proposed Capacity Market Mechanism. This represents perhaps one of the biggest advances in energy policy in decades, and is designed to move the UK towards a more sustainable, secure and affordable energy grid.
About KiWi Power
KiWi Power was co-founded by Yoav Zingher and Ziko Abram in 2009. KiWi is a smart grid company that specialises in managing the demand side of energy consumption for large industrial and commercial consumers of electricity. The technical term for this is demand response. KiWi Power operates in the UK in England, Wales & Scotland supplying Demand Side Management services to National Grid and distribution network operators (DNOs). National Grid and DNOs pay for these demand reductions, thereby allowing participating companies to generate new recurring revenue streams and reduce their carbon footprint.
