Getting a $1 billion bank loan to build wind farms was the easy part. Building them on time and to specification? That was a whole different beast. It was 2016, and I was deep in the trenches developing the wind industry in Russia while the global Energy Transition (ET) was just starting to pick up momentum. Fast forward to 2024: this year alone, $500 billion  will be invested in solar power. The ET debate is filled with staggering figures—$3 trillion, $12 trillion, or even more annually to hit global climate targets. But my experience tells me these numbers, while headline-worthy, miss the mark. When the technology is right and markets allow, money will find its way. That said, it’s worth taking a closer look at The Economist ’s latest briefing, which challenges conventional wisdom about ET costs and offers a refreshing reality check. Let’s break it down. Why Energy Transition Costs are Overblown 1️⃣ Unrealistic Speed Projections often assume we’ll slash emissions so fast that it justifies insane investment levels over a short time. But we’re likely to break the 1.5°C threshold in six years , making such scenarios impossible. Rushing things unnecessarily inflates costs. 2️⃣ Overhyped Growth Most models assume rapid economic and population growth , with GDP increasing over 3% annually. Yet historical averages are closer to 2-2.5% , meaning the energy demand these models forecast is exaggerated. 3️⃣ Underestimating Tech Progress Analysts often hype expensive, slow-to-scale technologies like hydrogen  and carbon capture , while underestimating how much costs are plummeting for proven solutions like solar  and lithium-ion batteries . For example, solar PV costs have consistently outperformed the wildest cost reduction forecasts. 4️⃣ Baseline Energy Costs Even if renewables didn’t exist, the world would still need to spend $2 trillion annually  to maintain energy infrastructure. The idea that ET costs are entirely “additional” is misleading. The Real Price Tag for Energy Transition? The real cost of ET may be closer to $1 trillion a year , or less than 1% of global GDP . Here’s why: • In 2024, $3 trillion  will already be spent on energy globally, with 75% from private investors and 25% from governments. • Solar alone will account for $500 billion , and clean energy investments overall will hit $2 trillion  this year. These figures show we’re already scaling ET investments, and the world isn’t going bankrupt in the process. But What’s Missing? 1️⃣ Beyond Energy and Transport Decarbonizing energy and transport is straightforward, but agriculture  and heavy industry  remain major emission sources without clear solutions. These sectors require entirely new technologies, and progress here will likely take much longer. 2️⃣ High Costs in Developing Countries The regions needing ET investments the most—developing countries—face higher capital costs , which could either push up global ET expenses or deter investment entirely. 3️⃣ The Real World ≠ Models Economic models assume rational behavior , but reality is messy. Political interference, corruption, and incompetence  often derail well-laid plans, making implementation costs higher than anticipated. A Reality Check Worth Reading The Economist ’s briefing serves as a valuable reminder that while the Energy Transition is an enormous challenge, it’s not as financially insurmountable as some make it out to be. Clean technologies are advancing faster than anyone predicted, and the private sector is already driving most of the investment. But this isn’t to say it’s all smooth sailing. Decarbonizing sectors like agriculture, managing uneven global capital costs, and navigating the messy real-world implementation are hurdles we can’t ignore. Still, $1 trillion annually —the true cost of ET—looks more like an opportunity than an obstacle. 💬 What’s your take?  Are these new numbers cause for optimism or just another overly rosy scenario? Let’s discuss in the comments. And if you’re navigating the cleantech space or need insights into scaling your green startup, drop me a message  or visit my site at www.askerov.pro . Don’t forget to follow me here on LinkedIn for more takes on climate, tech, and business strategy. 🌍⚡ #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #ClimateTech #Sustainability #Renewables #Solar #Innovation #NetZero #cleantech

If you’re a cleantech scale-up gearing up for Series B, stop what you’re doing and read this article from Lowercarbon Capital. Seriously. Lowercarbon Capital has nailed what it takes to raise—and win—at this stage. I admire their style - no fluff, no BS, and fun. The best part is that they also deliver on substance - just straight-up truths. Let me break it down for you, what you should focus on while preparing for your B-round. 🔥 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲 #𝟭: 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘀. At Series B, it’s no longer about what you might do someday. It’s about what you’re already doing. Investors want to see real numbers, real traction, and real demand. If you don’t have proof, you’re not ready. 🔥 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲 #𝟮: 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻. Don’t skip on your unit economics. Show how you get and keep those margins on your product. This is super-hard in hardware, but investors don’t give a f**k. Yeah, even the cleantech investors. Sorry. 🔥 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲 #𝟯: 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱. This one hits home for me. Scaling isn’t just about having a big idea—it’s about execution. Twice in my own experience, I’ve seen how operational talent can make or break a scaleup. Investors are looking for people who know how to get things done at scale. Are those people on your team yet? 🚀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆? Raising Series B is about proving you’re no longer just a scrappy startup. You’re a business, ready to scale—and ready to dominate. Investors like Lowercarbon are watching, and they’re not here for half-baked plans. Bring your A-game to the next level. 🤙If you’re raising funds or trying to plug a skills gap in your growing team, reach out! Let’s talk about how to make your cleantech scale-up the one investors can’t resist! 💰⚡ #ScaleUp #Cleantech #SeriesB #Fundraising #Startups #Operations #teams #Growth #EnergyTransition

Today marks a milestone—𝗺𝘆 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁. When I started posting on LinkedIn, it was about sharing quick takes, event announcements, and spur-of-the-moment ideas. But my blog? That’s where the deeper thinking happens. Each blog post is a focused exploration—a view, a position, or a distilled lesson from my 𝟮𝟰 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀. It’s shaped by launching four greentech startups, scaling two, and working alongside incredible founders and investors in the space. 💡 𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲? Here’s what you’ll find on my blog: 1️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵: Forget the lab hype. I write about what works in the real world—and why. 2️⃣ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: From planning to execution, fundraising to hiring, I share actionable insights from the trenches. 3️⃣ 𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻, 𝗘𝗩𝘀, 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗻𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: No fluff, just straight talk on what’s worth your time and investment. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝘂𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: A dedicated section packed with lessons for growing your cleantech startup. 5️⃣ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: Essential reads for understanding climate change, the energy transition, and the business of greentech. 🌐 Check it out: https://www.askerov.pro/blog Don’t forget to 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 and get updates every time I post. Social media algorithms might bury my posts, but subscribers never miss a thing. 🚀 Here’s to the next 100 posts. More insights, more lessons, and more actionable advice are on the way. Let’s keep building the future of green technologies together! #Cleantech #Greentech #ScalingUp #ClimateTech #Hydrogen #EVs #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Startups

What’s the hardest part of running a battery gigafactory? According to the latest Fraunhofer report, it’s making electrodes.  The process is so complex, with infinite ways things can go wrong, that it’s more of an art than a science. And like any art, mastering it takes years of practice—years that European manufacturers simply don’t have. But there might be a way around this bottleneck: yes, you guessed right - AI. Now, I’m not usually one to jump on the hype train when it comes to new technologies. This is especially true of manufacturing, where getting anything new—digital or otherwise—into a process is often more about overcoming psychological and administrative barriers than solving technical ones. This time is different, so let me share the latest news about AI and electrode manufacturing, I couldn’t help but be excited. 🚨 Here’s what’s happening:  Last Friday, German industrial AI startup Ailoys  signed an MOU with South Korea’s JR Energy Solution , the world’s first dedicated electrode foundry. Their mission? To apply AI to material science and tackle the most challenging part of battery production: electrode manufacturing. This collaboration could be a game-changer, unlocking faster optimization, reduced scrap rates, and, ultimately, better batteries. And I’m thrilled to have played a part in making this happen, connecting these two innovators and facilitating the partnership. Congratulations to Sergei and Duke—your work could reshape the future of battery manufacturing! 🎉 💬 Let’s talk:  Are you looking to navigate green tech challenges or build partnerships in the cleantech space? Reach out to me for consultations on green technologies and strategies for scaleups. Let’s accelerate your journey to success! 👉 Follow me here on LinkedIn for more insights, subscribe to my blog, and never miss a post! #BatteryManufacturing #AI #ElectrodeFoundry #GreenTech #Innovation #Cleantech #IndustrialAI #EnergyTransition #ScaleUp

How much money do we need to avoid the worst of climate change? According to Bruce Usher in Investing in the Era of Climate Change , the answer is staggering: $3–5 trillion per year , totaling $100–150 trillion by 2050 . Of this, 70% must come from the private sector . Today, we’re at about $600 billion annually—meaning we need to scale up by a factor of five or six. But is this possible? And if so, how should we invest, and in what technologies? This book, published in 2022, tackles these critical questions. Here’s my breakdown of the insights it offers, why it’s worth your time, and where it might leave you wanting more. The Challenge: Investing Amid Uncertainty The biggest issue with climate investing is plain but daunting: it requires funding solutions for a multi-decadal problem that evolves non-linearly and is riddled with uncertainty . Investors hate uncertainty, and Usher begins by explaining why this has historically stifled action. Using the classic tragedy of the commons , he describes how no one “owns” the negative effects of climate change. Without clear guidance from governments, the rational investor response has been to sit and wait . Early bursts of climate investing fizzled out—until recently. So, what changed? Climate solutions became “investable.”  Technologies like solar, wind, and batteries have been de-risked to the point where investing in them now makes plain economic sense. This shift has opened the floodgates, but we’re still far from the scale required. The Solutions: Climate Tech Unpacked The second part of the book delves into climate technologies: electric vehicles, renewable energy, batteries, hydrogen, and direct air capture (DAC) . Usher provides a solid overview, making this section a great primer for those new to the space. For professionals in cleantech, however, the insights are less groundbreaking. I appreciated his analysis of why incumbent automakers struggle against EV newcomers —a topic I’ve explored in my own writing. However, I don’t share his optimism about nuclear, hydrogen, and DAC. These solutions, while promising in theory, face significant hurdles and may not justify the public subsidies Usher advocates for. The Strategy: Investing for Impact Here’s where the book shines: its practical advice on how to navigate the climate investment landscape. Usher treats climate change as a risk management problem , exploring how to price climate risks and insure against them. This approach provides actionable insights applicable across industries. He evaluates a range of investment strategies, from divestment  (refusing to invest in carbon-intensive assets) to venture capital  and fixed-income markets . The chapter on impact funds  was particularly compelling, showcasing how these funds work to “crowd in” private capital for long-term projects. Three Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Climate adaptation is a false hope.  Usher argues that adaptation fosters a dangerous belief that climate change is gradual when, in reality, it’s anything but. Change feels slow—until it’s sudden. 2️⃣ Governments bear the lion’s share of blame.  Usher points to the lack of carbon pricing  as the single biggest policy failure in the fight against climate change. On this, I couldn’t agree more. 3️⃣ Subsidies for hydrogen and DAC are misguided.  While Usher champions these technologies, I see them as budget drains that divert resources from proven solutions like renewables and battery storage. Final Thoughts Investing in the Era of Climate Change  is a well-organized and insightful read for anyone interested in the intersection of climate and finance. While it won’t offer groundbreaking revelations for industry veterans, it’s an excellent starting point for those looking to understand the challenges, opportunities, and strategies in this critical space. For me, the book’s strength lies in its pragmatic approach to investment strategies and its sharp critique of government inaction. Where it falters is in its unbalanced optimism for nascent technologies like hydrogen and DAC, which I believe overpromise and underdeliver. 💬 Have you read Usher’s book? What are your thoughts on his take? Drop your comments below or DM me—we need all perspectives to tackle this challenge. And if you are an investor looking for opportunities or a startup looking for investments, reach out to me via the contact page! #ClimateChange #SustainableInvesting #CleanTech #EnergyTransition #ImpactInvesting #Renewables #CarbonPricing #VentureCapital #Sustainability #ClimateFinance

When my daughter began her studies in Montpellier, she was pleasantly surprised to find that her student transport pass didn’t come with a discount—it came with 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴. And it’s not just a perk for students; it’s available to all Montpellier residents. You may think, “Free rides? Sounds like a ticket to budget disaster,” but I’d argue it makes 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦. Here’s why: 1️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Offering free transport is a powerful incentive to leave the car at home. More public transport use means fewer cars, which translates into cleaner air and less traffic congestion. That’s a win for everyone. 2️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀: Let’s face it—ticket revenue rarely covers the full cost of running public transport. In most cities, fare collection isn’t just inefficient; it’s costly. Free rides eliminate the need for ticketing machines, turnstiles, and conductors. With fewer resources tied up in ticket sales, a transport system can focus on what it’s there for—getting people around efficiently and sustainably. In the end, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘦-𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴. Montpellier is leading by example. So, is it time more cities looked at public transport this way? 💬 Do you agree? Let’s discuss below! Follow for more insights into cleantech and sustainable cities! #SustainableCities #CleanTech #PublicTransport #UrbanMobility #SustainableLiving #GreenCities #FreePublicTransport #Innovation #Montpellier #EcoFriendly

Volkswagen shutting down factories. Tesla and Chinese brands stealing market share. Europe’s legacy carmakers are facing a squeeze like never before—and it’s getting tighter. As I dove into Bruce Usher’s “Investing in the Era of Climate Change,” his observations on the struggles of incumbent automakers in the U.S. sounded hauntingly familiar to what’s unfolding in Europe. He lays out six reasons why traditional automakers failed to adapt to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, and it’s clear these points apply across the Atlantic as well. Let’s break down Usher’s analysis, because there’s plenty here for anyone interested in understanding why legacy automakers are losing ground, and how Tesla and Chinese brands capitalized on it. 1. Missing the R&D Boat 🛠️ While Tesla and Chinese startups poured resources into EV development, legacy automakers in Europe and the U.S. initially allocated small R&D budgets to EVs. They treated EVs as side projects, while traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles received the lion’s share of investment. Usher doesn’t mince words—he believes this lack of focus delayed crucial expertise development. In short, legacy automakers snoozed, while Tesla and new players hit the accelerator. 2. Failure to Control the Battery Supply Chain 🔋 One of the biggest missteps? Not vertically integrating into battery production. Batteries account for up to 30% of an EV’s total cost and are the most challenging component to produce at scale. Tesla understood this early, partnering with Panasonic to secure its battery supply chain and even building its own gigafactories. Traditional automakers, meanwhile, opted to rely on third-party suppliers. Without a guaranteed offtake agreement from a car manufacturer, battery makers struggle to reach the scale that drives costs down. And so, as battery prices dropped for Tesla and other innovators, traditional automakers watched costs spiral and supply remain uncertain. 3. Sticking to Old Platforms 🚗 Instead of building new EV platforms from scratch, legacy automakers tried to adapt their existing ICE platforms for electric models. Here’s the problem: an EV is fundamentally different, with far fewer moving parts—100 times fewer, in fact. Starting from zero would have allowed these companies to design simpler, more efficient manufacturing processes, cutting costs and improving quality. But by sticking with old frameworks, legacy brands limited the savings and performance benefits they could offer consumers. Tesla, on the other hand, started fresh, which is why its EVs became a benchmark for efficiency. 4. Stuck with Dealerships 💸 Traditional automakers relied on their dealership networks, but this structure creates a conflict of interest. Dealers earn a significant portion of their profits from maintenance services, and EVs simply need far less service than ICE vehicles. Tesla sidestepped this by going direct-to-consumer, which not only saves costs but also provides a more consistent customer experience. As legacy brands continue to struggle with this outdated sales model, their dealerships remain a barrier to the smooth EV ownership experience that consumers increasingly expect. 5. Starting at the Bottom Instead of the Top 🏆 Tesla began with high-end models—the Roadster and Model S—building a premium image that appealed to early adopters willing to pay for status and innovation. Then, it released more affordable models, backed by an aspirational brand reputation. By contrast, traditional automakers aimed to launch cheaper EV models immediately, focusing on low prices. Unfortunately, many of these early models underperformed in terms of range and quality, undermining their market appeal and casting doubt on their EV credibility. 6. Ignoring the Charging Network ⚡ Tesla recognized the importance of charging infrastructure early on, creating a proprietary network of Superchargers to give its drivers reliable, fast charging. Legacy automakers, however, tried to pass this responsibility onto independent charge point operators (CPOs). This hands-off approach resulted in a fragmented, inconsistent charging experience for consumers, and CPOs struggled to make the business model work. Tesla’s seamless charging experience set it apart, while legacy automakers lost credibility as they failed to address consumer concerns about range and charging availability. A Lesson for Incumbents—and Investors Each of these points tells a story of missed opportunities and strategic missteps. Legacy automakers’ decisions might have seemed logical in the short term, but cumulatively, they set the stage for the struggles we’re seeing today. The Tesla and Chinese EV success stories underscore that EVs require a different approach to manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and infrastructure. Legacy automakers tried to fit a round peg into a square hole, adapting ICE-era strategies to an EV world, and it’s proving costly.

What’s the equivalent of the chicken-and-egg problem in industrial digitalization? You need data to optimize production, but production has to be running to generate that data. This classic loop is hitting hard in high-growth industries like battery manufacturing. When launching a gigafactory, high-speed production lines need data-driven optimization to cut down on waste. But here’s the bind—until that factory is up and running at scale, you simply don’t have the data you need. It’s costly, too: according to Fraunhofer’s Mastering the Ramp Up of Battery Production report, initial gigafactories see scrap rates of 15-30%, and every 1% of scrap can bleed about €10M per year. The same problem holds back digital and AI startups focused on industrial optimization. They need high-volume production to gather data, train algorithms, and prove their value, but their clients aren’t producing enough data yet to make it worthwhile. The Solution? The Foundry Model. A new breed of battery companies is emerging to bridge this gap—dedicated cell and electrode foundries offering manufacturing-as-a-service. These foundries, operating with smaller capacities (a few hundred to several thousand MWh), work for multiple clients and specialize in providing the data-rich environment digital startups need to fine-tune optimization solutions. By partnering with these foundries, both gigafactory operators and digitalization startups can gather the critical production data needed to minimize scrap rates before full-scale production begins. Fraunhofer is currently expanding its 200 MWh facility to 7GWh with exactly this idea in mind. The result? Lower scrap, faster scaling, and positive cash flow sooner—shaving years off the ramp-up curve and setting up gigafactories for success. 💬 Want to dive deeper into the foundry model or connect with an active electrode foundry? Drop me a message to learn more. #BatteryProduction #Digitalization #FoundryModel #IndustrialOptimization #Manufacturing

While extending the life of existing reactors (LTO) is a powerful strategy, decommissioning (DECOM) is emerging as an equally significant market for nuclear innovation and investment. By the 2050s, over 300 reactors worldwide are projected to be retired. Europe alone has a backlog, with 60% of shuttered reactors awaiting decommissioning. This scenario presents a growing, $6–10 billion annual market for specialized companies that can tackle the complexities of dismantling and waste management. Investment Hotspots in Decommissioning: - Project Management and Digital Tools – Advanced solutions like PLM and AI-driven planning tools to streamline timelines and reduce DECOM project costs. - Safety and Waste Handling – Innovative safety technology and transport solutions for radioactive waste, ensuring safe handling at every stage. - Precision Dismantling Equipment – From cutting-edge drones and robotics to non-destructive testing, these tools can enhance safety, optimize costs, and reduce operational risks. With a steady increase in reactors reaching retirement age, the DECOM market is set to be a mainstay in the nuclear sector. For those with a focus on tech-driven solutions, now is the time to capitalize on the world’s pressing need for safe, efficient, and cost-effective nuclear decommissioning. 🌍💡 #Decommissioning #NuclearEnergy #Cleantech #EnergyTransition #SustainableEnergy #InvestmentOpportunities #DigitalTransformation

In a story fit for Halloween, Redflow — a name that sounds like it was born for a ghost story — met its untimely end. As with any horror tale, the question lingers: what went wrong, and could it have been saved?  Redflow had everything to make it a cleantech success: a unique zinc-bromide flow battery IP, promising less reliance on scarce materials compared to its lithium-ion competitors. It had a record of sales to residential customers and was on the verge of scaling to grid-scale with a 20MWh contract. It even had the government ready to pledge as much investment as private backers. But the private funds never came, and that nailed shut Redflow’s coffin. ⚰️ Was it just a case of “tight capital markets”? That’s the claim, but in Australia — where energy storage is booming — it’s hard not to wonder. Perhaps flow battery technology itself faces challenges that investors see all too clearly. Redflow is another entry in the “flow battery graveyard,” showing that even with tech advantages, a sales track record, and market readiness, there’s no guarantee that the capital will flow. Halloween, with all its ghastly tales, reminds us of our (often irrational) fears. But as founders and investors, it’s the real-world failures, not just the celebrated successes, that teach us what to watch out for. Redflow’s collapse is a sobering reminder that checking all the boxes of a scale-up won’t always win investor buy-in.  Happy Halloween, and memento mori ! 🎃👻 You can read the original news article here . #Cleantech #EnergyStorage #FlowBatteries #BatteryTechnology #Investing #StartupLife #ScaleUp

It takes 140 steps to make a battery cell. That excludes logistics and testing. The recent Fraunhofer report on ramping-up battery production sheds light on the complex reality of scaling up hardware production, with lessons that apply far beyond the battery industry. From handling high-risk processes to managing workforce challenges and organizational dynamics, it’s a detailed blueprint that could serve any hardware scaleup. Here are the key insights that resonated most with me. Key Insight #1: Electrode Coating — The Quality Bottleneck Battery cell quality begins with electrode coating, an intricate process that even slight variances can lead to significant quality issues. Tiny shifts in slurry viscosity, coating speed, or application pressure can produce defects that undermine cell reliability and performance. Fraunhofer zeroes in on this coating phase as the highest-risk point in cell production, where consistent precision is non-negotiable.  Why? Because it’s not only the most capital-intensive phase but also where errors compound quickly, leading to entire batches being scrapped. This isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s an organizational one, especially when scaling up. For battery production — or any precision-dependent manufacturing process — finding a way to keep tight quality control over high-risk steps like coating is crucial. This is consistent with my insights, shared here . Source: Fraunhofer Key Insight #2: Skills Matter More Than Just Tech Fraunhofer’s research highlights that simply buying top-tier equipment isn’t enough. Skilled operators are the real linchpin, especially in quality-critical processes like electrode coating. Trained technicians who understand the intricate dynamics of the production line can adjust, troubleshoot, and optimize the process in real-time — something machines or untrained operators struggle with. Recognizing this, Fraunhofer is scaling up its existing 200MWh facility and developing a new 7GWh factory, both designed as training hubs. Here, workers gain hands-on experience before stepping into larger-scale production environments. This approach means that when it’s time to launch full-scale gigafactories, the workforce isn’t learning on the job; they’re already well-prepared to hit quality targets.  Key Insight #3: Organizational & Cultural Challenges The challenge of scaling up hardware production goes beyond technical and skill-based hurdles. Large-scale battery projects, involving collaborations between European workers and investors and Asian equipment and material suppliers must navigate organizational issues, including cultural differences and language barriers. Whether collaborating with suppliers from different countries or managing teams across multiple sites, communication and cohesion are critical. Cultural divides can impact everything from project timelines to day-to-day operations.  It’s a reminder that scaling hardware is a people-intensive business — technology alone doesn’t solve everything. The Potential of a Foundry-Style Model The Fraunhofer report hints at another opportunity: a centralized “foundry” model that could serve multiple cell manufacturers with high-quality electrodes. I explored this approach with the hub-and-spoke model in my article on alternative battery value chains . In this setup, specialized foundries would handle electrode production, enabling cell manufacturers to remain flexible and avoid the high CAPEX and OPEX of building in-house electrode facilities.  The benefits? Consistent quality across the board and simplified scaling, especially for smaller manufacturers who can’t match the resources of a vertically integrated gigafactory.   Why This Matters Beyond Batteries? Fraunhofer’s insights aren’t just for battery manufacturing; it’s a universal guide for scaling hardware production. Precision processes, a skilled workforce, and a collaborative, culture-conscious organization are key pillars in any high-stakes manufacturing operation. The report underscores a powerful lesson for hardware scaleups: quality starts long before you reach full-scale production. Fraunhofer’s investment in a training-centered factory is a strategy worth noting — one that any hardware scaleup should consider. And if the EU battery industry is to keep pace with Asia’s giants, this approach of shared resources and centralized expertise could be a game-changer for the European market. For anyone scaling hardware, these insights are a reminder that even the best tech needs the right talent and an agile, well-integrated team to make it work.    💬 Thoughts on the “foundry” model or workforce training for high-stakes manufacturing? Share in the comments, or reach out for more insights on mastering ramp-up challenges!  I encourage you to download and read the full report here . #HardwareScaleUp #BatteryProduction #ElectrodeCoating #Fraunhofer #Manufacturing #EnergyTransition #SupplyChain #TalentDevelopment

What’s the most cost-effective way to decarbonize the grid? Surprisingly, it’s long-term operation (LTO) of existing nuclear power plants. With a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of around $30/MWh and capital expenses between $500 and $1,100/kW, extending the life of existing reactors is a top-tier solution for clean, reliable power. 🚀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗧𝗢 Aging reactors, some over 40 years old, face growing regulatory and maintenance demands, particularly post-Fukushima. But with 140 reactors worldwide eligible for LTO by 2040, the potential market for equipment, materials, and services is estimated at $3–4 billion per year. In total, these LTO projects could require around $50–100 billion, opening the door for suppliers and service providers to secure a slice of the market. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀? With this surge in demand, established suppliers may struggle to keep up, creating a significant gap for new entrants who can: - 🛠️ Develop replaceable components, particularly those out of production, potentially through additive manufacturing. - 🤖 Deploy cost-saving automation and digitalization in inspections, from robotics and drones to VR, AR, and AI-based solutions. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 🌍 As the global demand for clean energy accelerates, the long-term operation of existing nuclear plants offers a timely and under-the-radar investment opportunity. For suppliers, innovators, and service providers, LTO is more than an extension—it’s a pathway to growth in the nuclear sector, leveraging automation, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing. For those ready to tackle this niche, the market is ripe with potential, and early movers stand to benefit immensely. 🌱 👉Follow me for more insights into cleantech scaleup! #EnergyTransition #NuclearEnergy #Cleantech #LongTermOperation #Decommissioning #InvestmentOpportunities #SustainableEnergy #Innovation #DigitalTransformation