Green Independence: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Green Independence is an innovative climate tech startup founded in 2020, headquartered in Brindisi, Italy. The company is dedicated to accelerating the transition from fossil fuels by providing affordable and accessible green energy and clean water solutions. Its mission is to address global challenges such as water scarcity, fossil fuel dependency, and the intermittency of renewable energy sources. The company's vision is to empower every home, city, and industry to achieve complete energy and water independence through sustainable technologies.

Industry Significance

Green Independence operates within the renewable energy sector, focusing on sustainable solutions that integrate energy production with water purification. By addressing critical issues like water scarcity and the need for clean energy, the company contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

The company's primary objectives include:

Developing and commercializing the New Artificial Leaf (NAL) technology.

Providing decentralized, on-site solutions for green hydrogen production and water purification.

Reducing the cost of green hydrogen production to €1/kg.

Promoting energy and water independence across various sectors.

Areas of Specialization

Green Independence specializes in:

Renewable energy generation through advanced solar technologies.

Water purification and desalination using sustainable methods.

Green hydrogen production for clean energy applications.

Key Technologies Utilized

The company leverages several innovative technologies:

New Artificial Leaf (NAL): A multifunctional solar panel that harnesses three times more solar energy than conventional photovoltaic panels. NAL simultaneously purifies wastewater, desalines seawater, and produces green hydrogen, all while operating off-grid.

Electrochemical Module (ECM): Utilizes an Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) with low-noble-metal catalysts to produce green hydrogen cost-effectively.

Primary Markets Targeted

Green Independence targets the following markets:

Hard-to-Abate Industries: Sectors such as steel, cement, and glass manufacturing that face challenges in reducing carbon emissions.

Water Treatment Companies: Organizations involved in wastewater treatment and desalination processes.

Energy, Gas, and Renewable Providers: Companies in the energy sector seeking sustainable solutions.

Heavy Transport Infrastructure: Highways, railways, ports, and airports requiring clean energy solutions.

Agricultural and Hydroponic Industries: Sectors needing efficient water and energy management.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Green Independence has raised a total of €110,000 in its pre-seed funding round.

Notable Investors

The company has attracted investment from:

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti: An Italian investment institution.

Plug and Play Japan: A global innovation platform.

Scientifica VC: A venture capital firm.

Motor Valley Accelerator: An accelerator program.

UniCredit Start Lab: A startup accelerator.

Utilization of Capital

The raised capital is intended for:

Research and development of the NAL technology.

Scaling production capabilities.

Market expansion efforts.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

The company's primary focus is on the NAL technology, which integrates solar energy conversion with water purification and green hydrogen production.

Stages of Development

NAL is currently in the prototype stage, with plans for scaling production and commercialization in the near future.

Target Conditions

NAL addresses water scarcity and the need for sustainable energy solutions across various industries.

Anticipated Milestones

The company aims to achieve:

Successful scaling of NAL production.

Commercial deployment in target markets.

Reduction of green hydrogen production costs to €1/kg.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

New Artificial Leaf (NAL): A multifunctional solar panel that simultaneously generates electricity, purifies water, and produces green hydrogen.

Significant Scientific Methods

Electrochemical Module (ECM): Employs an Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) with low-noble-metal catalysts for efficient green hydrogen production.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Alessandro Monticelli: CEO and CTO, Co-Founder. An engineer with a vision for renewable energy, Alessandro leads the company with technical expertise and strategic insight.

Marta Pisani: COO and CMO, Co-Founder. A marketing and communication specialist, Marta shapes the company's market presence and drives business development.

Federico Crespi: Project Coordinator. Specializing in economics and sustainability, Federico manages internal operations and coordinates with research teams.

Carmen Ciciriello: Junior Business Associate. Responsible for accounting, administrative management, and identifying new business opportunities.

Board of Advisors

Luca Biagini: Former CEO of Magneti Marelli and CNH China.

Fabrizia Faggiano: Group Head of Legal at Fedrigoni with experience in M&A.

Giancarlo Ambruosi: Expert in Business Development and partner of a Family Office in the field of renewable energy.

Massimo Santarelli: Full Professor at Politecnico di Torino and Associate Professor at KTH (Stockholm, Sweden) and UIC (Chicago, IL, USA).

Vito Alfarano: General Manager Supply Chain at Avio Aero (a GE Aerospace Company).

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Key trends include the adoption of decentralized energy systems, advancements in green hydrogen production, and the integration of water purification technologies.

Competitor Analysis

Green Independence faces competition from companies such as SolarEdge, Sunamp, Blue Solutions, and VYCON. These competitors offer solutions in solar energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen production.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The company has established partnerships with research teams at the Politecnico di Torino, enhancing its R&D capabilities.

Operational Insights

Green Independence differentiates itself through the NAL technology, which uniquely combines solar energy generation, water purification, and green hydrogen production in a single, decentralized system.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company plans to scale production, expand into new markets, and continue developing innovative solutions to promote energy and water independence globally.