IONATE, a UK-based developer of advanced smart grid transformers, has successfully raised $17 million in Series A funding. The round was led by AlbionVC, with participation from In-Q-Tel (IQT), Santander InnoEnergy Climate Fund, Antares Ventures, and the JGC Mirai Innovation Fund, operated by JGC and Global Brain in Japan.

IONATE’s flagship product, the Hybrid Intelligent Transformer (HIT), is a cutting-edge solution designed to address the challenges of modern power grids. Unlike conventional transformers, the HIT integrates real-time power control, offering solutions for phase voltage control, harmonic removal, transient resolution, and power factor correction. Its ability to simultaneously manage these key elements makes it a vital component in the creation of true smart grids.

IONATE’s Aurora platform, which controls the HIT network, enables enhanced efficiency and significantly improved capacity. The company’s technology has shown promising results in three key areas: power grids, wind power, and solar power/energy storage. For power grids, it improves flexibility and grid stability, particularly in balancing renewable energy and fluctuating loads. In wind and solar power, the HIT transformer reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for additional technology to manage variable outputs.

With implementations already underway with EDP, a major energy provider in Portugal and Spain, IONATE plans to expand further in 2025, including launching its U.S. operations. The newly raised funds will be directed toward expanding operations, advancing the technology, and furthering the company’s role in pioneering smart grid innovation.

Source: thebridge.jp