Renewable energies: Swiss data solutions for international customers

A renewable energy plant generates millions of data points every day from the various sensors installed. While it is already a big deal to retrieve and store this operational data, it becomes an almost impossible task to process it and gain insights from it. Those involved in managing large-scale renewable energy plants face the problem of having too much data but too little information. This becomes even more complex because data with different structures, coming from different sources, must be considered together to get a complete picture (e.g., plant operating data, current weather and forecasts, electricity prices, transmission grid, etc.). The dimensions involved are illustrated by the example of a solar plant with 200,000 modules. These generate more than 4 million data points per day!

Producing renewable energies highly efficiently

The company Nispera AG, which was founded in 2015, deals with projects of this magnitude and the corresponding challenges. The ETH spin-off has developed a software solution for comprehensive data analysis. The fully decentralized platform enables the monitoring of actual and forecast production of energy, the identification of areas with insufficient performance, the detection of deviations through AI-based analyses, and the automation of reporting. For example, solar installations can be continuously monitored and corrective action, such as panel orientation, can be taken immediately to ensure the installations are always delivering maximum value.

Presence in 25 countries within 6 years

The start-up's software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform is now in use in over 150 wind turbines, 250 photovoltaic plants and 20 hydroelectric power plants in more than 25 countries. Last but not least, the targeted approach has helped with internationalization: Participating in relevant events in the target markets (before the corona pandemic) and carefully identifying and approaching potential customers. Within a few years, Nispera was able to build an excellent reputation and become a leading supplier in its niche market thanks to a solid base of satisfied customers.

Growing portfolio in the field of renewable energies

However, the 15-member international team around CEO Gianmarco Pizza not only provides the software, but also the necessary technical know-how to advise customers on how to improve the performance of their plants based on the data obtained. This is possible thanks to the experience the company has gained working with a growing portfolio of customer plants, as well as the company's motto: high inquisitiveness and attention to customers' needs. It is also possible thanks to the collaboration with various partners, such as ZHAW, which supports Nispera in the development of advanced analytics with artificial intelligence.

Business model promotes good customer relations

By actively supporting its customers in identifying potential improvements to their plants and implementing appropriate corrective actions, Nispera increases the perceived value of the service and strengthens the relationship with the customer. Another important USP is the ability to adapt very quickly and flexibly to specific and rapidly evolving customer requirements and market needs. For example, if fixed government subsidies expire in a market, it is essential to manage the risks of market exposure in order to monitor the financial performance of the assets.

Ambitious expansion plans

With its "Swiss-made" SaaS platform, Nispera has managed to generate more than 80 % of its revenue abroad within a few years. In the next few years, the company aims to expand into other markets such as the USA and Asia and increase the revenue generated abroad to 97 %. The export promotion organization Switzerland Global Enterprise S-GE supports the start-up by providing information on relevant topics and markets and assessing opportunities in different markets. Nispera is among the three finalists for the Export Award 2021.

More information: Nispera AG