The aim of the cooperation is to create a solution that provides easier access
to electricity for people in developing countries. In less than two hours the
earth receives from the sun the amount of energy that is consumed annually. At
the same time 1.3 billion people lack a dependable source of electricity.
The idea is to develop a platform that would help local solar companies offer
solar energy systems to households. The Software-as-a-Service concept would
offer a solution for solar companies to secure the payment from end-customers
and to provide better customer support, as well as a more reliable system. One
solution is the pay-as-you-go model which allows people who can’t afford their
own panels to purchase electricity. By replacing the current services with a
digital solution that can be used without a smartphone, via text messaging or
other solutions, the potential user pool grows considerably.
The solution will be developed in an open innovation process by combining the
resources and know-how of Fortum and Futurice. Fortum has expertise in
developing energy systems and in industrial-scale solar power in India as well
as offering solar solutions for private and business customers in Nordics.
Futurice is an expert in the development of digital services, applications, and
solution architecture.
“By combining digital know-how, the Internet of Things and solar energy in an
open innovation process, we are aiming for a new solution and business model
that would have a concrete impact on sustainable development,” says R&D Manager
Catarina Naucler from Fortum.
“For Futurice, the cooperation represents a new way of working side-by-side
with a strategic partner and in selected projects moving from service provider
to equal business partner. We want to find new ways of working and create new,
evolving and agile ecosystems. One way to do this is to establish startups with
our corporate partners,” Future & startups Principal Anni Harju from Futurice
states.
The open innovation process is started by developing and prototyping the
solution. If the development phase is successful, a commercial pilot could be
started in fall 2017.
Cooperation with Futurice is a good example of building new energy ventures,
which is one of the cornerstones of Fortum's strategy. These kinds of
partnerships are important in innovating both new technologies and business
models in the changing energy industry landscape.
