The rapid expansion of renewable energy in the Netherlands, which now accounts for approximately 40% of total electricity production, has placed immense pressure on the electricity grid. This has led to grid congestion, causing energy curtailment and waste as the grid struggles to accommodate new projects. In the Netherlands alone, over 12,000 companies await grid connection, highlighting the urgency and scale of this challenge across Europe.
iwell, a Utrecht-based developer of smart energy management (EMS) and battery storage systems (BESS), addresses these challenges with scalable, modular battery storage solutions and intelligent software. Their technology stores excess renewable energy for use during periods of peak demand or grid stress, thereby reducing peak loads and enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy.
Today, iwell closed a €27 million funding round, led by Meridiam, with Invest-NL and Rabobank participating alongside existing investors. This investment will accelerate iWell’s growth and international expansion, with a focus initially on high-potential markets such as Germany and the UK, where grid congestion and demand for smart energy solutions are increasing. iwell has established offices in Düsseldorf, with a €100M project pipeline, and Gent, with a UK launch planned for April 2025.
Jan Willem de Jong, founder and CEO of iwell, commented: “This landmark investment fuels our ambition to build a pan-European powerhouse. Energy independence has never been more relevant to our continent. It’s all about reinforcing energy security for European businesses and ensuring that the cleanest kWh is also the cheapest.”
In addition to international expansion, a significant portion of the funds will support software development, data analytics, and AI capabilities, key to maintaining iwell’s market-leading position. De Jong added: “In a world where increased pricing volatility, unpredictable demand, and a growing share of renewables have become the norm, intelligent controls are key to optimising energy flows. Without a smart EMS platform, a battery is merely an expensive, yet limited, financial investmekулуent. There are so many ways to make money with a battery, but you really have to understand the specific customer situation.”
How iwell provides clean and affordable energy for everyone
iwell was founded by Jan Willem de Jong, who serves as CEO, a serial entrepreneur focused on using business as a force for good, guided by the principle: “improve the world, start a company.” His expertise lies in transforming the European energy system from a centralised, fossil-fuel-based model to a local, clean, and dynamic one through intelligent battery hardware and software.
iwell’s mission is to provide clean and affordable energy for everyone, addressing one of our time’s greatest challenges: the need for cleaner air, water, and a healthier planet. The company accelerates the energy transition by building tomorrow’s energy supply today, using smart battery solutions to create a more sustainable world.
iwell addresses grid congestion with modular, intelligent battery systems that store excess renewable energy for use during high demand or grid stress. This approach reduces peak loads and improves renewable energy efficiency, helping organisations become more self-sufficient while lowering energy costs and environmental impact.
Additionally, iwell provides real-time data monitoring and management to enable intelligent energy decisions and strengthen grid stability. The platform also facilitates participation in emerging business models like energy trading and grid-balancing services. Through its scalable battery storage solutions, iwell helps reduce grid congestion, supports the integration of renewable energy, and accelerates the Dutch energy transition toward a sustainable, flexible, and resilient system.
What’s so special about iwell technology?
iwell’s intelligent systems store energy when it’s clean and cheap — typically solar power — and deploy it during periods of peak demand and high costs. This reduces energy bills, eases grid strain, and maximises on-site renewable use. Their AI-driven energy management platform analyses real-time data, weather patterns, and market prices to optimise value and revenue streams, including energy trading.
Jan Willem de Jong, founder and CEO of iwell, commented: “ Our hands-on experience in both software and hardware, our AI-driven energy platform, international track record and investable business cases for over 400 partners form the foundation of our success.
Electricity grids are already under strain in many markets due to the increased share of non-dispatchable renewable generation. Electrification of heat and transport creates challenges with the power demand only expected to accelerate due to the growth of AI and data centres.”
iwell’s solutions are particularly beneficial for sectors where a stable power supply is mission-critical, such as logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. For instance, DAF Trucks has partnered with iCell to help customers in Europe’s key e-truck markets invest in fleet electrification, despite current and future challenges in the energy sector.
Investors’ backing and management’s strategic outlook
With Europe’s electricity demand projected to grow by 25% by 2030 due to electrification and the rise of AI and data centres, iwell’s role in grid balancing and renewable integration will expand. Their solutions already reduce CO₂ emissions by 2,600 tonnes annually per project while cutting clients’ energy costs by up to 30%. As Jan Willem de Jong notes, “Energy independence is about securing Europe’s future prosperity.”
David Tuohy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, commented: “People often underestimate the complexity of the energy transition. The future will be decarbonised and decentralised. This is simply not possible without smart storage solutions like iwell’s. We are thrilled to have Meridiam and Invest-NL join our team. They get what the company is doing.”
Eric Rey, Managing Director of Green Impact Growth Fund (GIGF at Meridiam, said: “We are proud to support iwell in its ambitious development plan. It is clear to us that iwell has the potential to become a pan-European powerhouse, leveraging its demonstrated expertise in complex projects. Following several investments into pioneering solutions across the smart grid value chain, Meridiam continues to strive to support a sustainable electrification path in Europe and contribute to reaching net-zero and energy independence.”
Invest-NL’s participation reflects its strategic focus on smart energy systems as a driving force for a climate-neutral economy. Wouter van Westenbrugge, senior investment manager at Invest-NL, stated: “iwell plays a key role in building a more flexible and future-proof energy system. Their innovative technology enables companies to actively drive the energy transition, while strengthening grid reliability and keeping energy affordable.”
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