The road to a decarbonised energy future is far from a straight line. As Europe accelerates towards its net-zero targets, the integration of renewables into the grid has revealed a growing challenge: maintaining real-time balance between supply and demand. While wind turbines and solar farms deliver clean energy, they also introduce variability that places increasing pressure on ageing grid infrastructure.
That’s where Tether, a Barcelona-based cleantech startup, is stepping in. Backed by a recent $1.5 million funding round led by Norrsken Barcelona, Tether is tackling one of the most pressing risks in Europe’s energy transition grid instability. This is a challenge that already costs the EU an estimated €135 billion each year.
This milestone is about more than just raising capital. It’s about solving a billion-euro problem through data, software, and intelligent systems.
The European Grid Is Changing Rapidly
For decades, Europe’s electricity grid operated with predictability. Large, centralised fossil-fuel power stations supplied a steady and reliable flow of electricity. Today, however, with solar panels and wind farms being connected at every level from national networks to individual buildings, the grid has become dynamic, decentralised, and significantly more challenging to manage.
The result is a heightened risk of power outages, frequency fluctuations, and increasing costs for balancing services. Traditional solutions have focused on infrastructure: constructing new power lines, installing backup generators, or curtailing renewable generation when supply exceeds demand. However, these methods are costly, slow to implement, and often carbon-intensive.
Tether is proposing a smarter alternative, one built around digital flexibility and intelligent coordination.
What Tether Offers
Tether’s platform gives grid operators, utilities, and energy market participants access to previously untapped flexibility. It achieves this by intelligently controlling distributed energy resources, such as electric vehicles, batteries, heating and cooling systems, and commercial equipment. These assets can adjust their electricity consumption or production in real time, helping to stabilise the grid exactly when needed.
In essence, Tether transforms everyday electrical devices into valuable grid assets. Its software aggregates and manages these flexible resources in real time. The result is a scalable and cost-effective solution for grid operators seeking stability, without the need to build new infrastructure or rely on fossil fuel reserves.
This approach not only supports the integration of renewables but also enables demand response and enhances resilience across the energy system.
Why the 1.5 Million Dollar Investment Is a Big Deal
The recent funding round, led by Norrsken Barcelona, will enable Tether to scale its operations across Europe. The investment will support:
- Product development and platform integration
- Expansion of the engineering and business teams
- Deployment of new projects in collaboration with utilities and aggregators
- Enhancements to data analytics and control algorithms
- Strengthening partnerships with grid operators and regulatory bodies
This funding marks a strong endorsement of Tether’s technical vision and its readiness to enter key European markets.
Life at Tether: A View from Within
Many students from the InnoEnergy CommUnity+ are actively contributing to Tether’s growth. Among them is Omer, a first-year SENSE student from the InnoEnergy Masters+ programme. He is currently interning at Tether as a Machine Learning Engineer, focusing on energy price forecasting and electric vehicle charging strategies.
Omer shares his experience:
“As an Electrical Engineer passionate about AI, working at Tether allows me to combine my Machine Learning skills with my engineering background to make a tangible impact on clean energy projects. Every day, I grow professionally while directly contributing to our mission of transforming parked EVs into valuable resources for a sustainable future.“
His story highlights the kind of high-impact, mission-driven work that InnoEnergy students are uniquely equipped to take on.
A Blueprint for Clean Energy Innovation
Tether’s journey is more than just a success story, it symbolises a broader shift in how Europe is shaping the future of energy. The European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan call for greater integration of renewables, the electrification of transport, and the decentralisation of energy systems. Achieving these goals demands smarter, more responsive electricity grids.
Startups like Tether are proving that the answer lies in software, systems thinking, and innovation. For the InnoEnergy Masters+ community, Tether serves as a compelling example. It demonstrates the impact of combining deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive, and the vital role of support networks such as Norrsken and InnoEnergy in turning bold ideas into scalable, real-world solutions.
Final Thoughts
The clean energy transition isn’t just about generating more solar and wind power,it’s about building intelligent systems that can respond in real time. Tether is doing exactly that, demonstrating how digital tools can unlock hidden value from the assets we already have.
For everyone in the InnoEnergy ecosystem, whether you’re a student, alumnus, researcher, or entrepreneur. Tether’s journey is a powerful reminder that impactful careers and climate solutions often begin in the startup world.
To learn more about Tether’s growth and mission, you can read the official announcement by Norrsken Barcelona here.
Want to be part of a community driving the future of sustainable energy?
Apply to the InnoEnergy Masters+ and join a network of innovators creating real impact Apply here