Newcastle businesses pair up to create ‘first-of-its-kind’ renewable energy app

Two Newcastle based businesses have combined their expertise in tech and sustainability to create a new renewable energy app, with the aim of it being the first of its kind in the UK.

The partnership, between renewable energy startup Swarm and tech consultancy Opencast, aims to help make homeowners’ lives easier and greener. The Swarm app, developed by its team of hardware and energy experts, will allow people to optimise how and when energy is used around the home.

It will integrate with a home’s smart devices, like electric vehicle charge points and solar panels, regardless of their brand. The app will support people’s transition to electric homes, and offer stability for consumers in times of volatile energy prices.

Swarm co-founder and chief technology officer Anthony Piggott commented: “There’s a lot of clever technology out there that helps people manage the energy in their homes but, incredibly, there’s nothing in the UK that works with different brands and devices, meaning people can’t currently control all the energy devices across their home in one place.

“We knew we could create something to change this and chose Opencast as our lead partner. With their tech expertise and our knowledge of the energy sector, we have the ability to make something really exciting: one app to control every aspect of energy in the home.”

The partnership between the two businesses will see Opencast adding its technology expertise to that of the Swarm team. Both firms are based at Hoults Yard in Byker, where demonstration and testing of the new app will take place in a purpose-built energy hub.

Opencast will work with Swarm to develop its technology and help grow the new business. With a team approaching 500 people, Opencast works to make life better through the power of people and technology, and its vision is to make a positive impact on society through sustainable, fairer solutions for all.

The fast-growing consultancy already supports clients in government and business alike, offering services including digital customer experience, and product and service innovation. Its new partnership follows previous joint work with the Swarm team.

Opencast chief executive Tom Lawson added: “We’re pleased to be working with the Swarm as it starts on its journey to improve consumer access to renewable energy. As a business, Opencast is committed to delivering social impact, and to using our capabilities to deliver digital technologies that support a greener future.

“We are pleased to be working with another North East headquartered business that is committed to sustainability. Our firms share the same work culture and have similar ways of working and we want the two businesses to support each other’s growth.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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