UtilityInnovation Group (UIG), a leading US-based provider of advanced energy solutions, has today announced the strategic acquisition of Enicity, a leading advisory firm specialising in the application of innovative energy technologies in modern power systems based in Ireland. Following the minority investment by Gothenburg, Sweden based Volvo Penta in April, the acquisition will see UIG establish a formal European headquarters in Dublin as it positions itself for accelerated expansion into the wider European energy market.

The global journey towards decarbonisation is presenting new and complex challenges for electric utilities and Large Energy Users (LEUs), including data centres, in all major economies. As stakeholders strive to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner more diverse energy sources, electric utilities and operators are under increasing pressure to optimise their infrastructure and integrate renewable energy into their grids all while ensuring reliable power supply which minimises environmental impact.

Founded by utility veteran Alan McHugh, Enicity has established itself as an influential player across the European energy sector, known for its partnership approach and commitment to smart and sustainable energy solutions for utilities and LEUs. By incorporating Enicity’s regulatory experience, utility facing capability, and established network, UIG further compliments its wealth of system integration expertise as they deploy their battery energy storage, distributed generation, and GridSure controls platform within the European market. Mr. McHugh will continue onwards as Managing Director of Europe for UIG. The acquisition aligns with UIG's mission to revolutionise the global energy landscape and underscores its commitment to influencing the growth of decentralized and advanced utility systems worldwide.

Derek Tugwell, President, UIG, added: "Acquiring Enicity represents a major milestone in our expansion strategy. The European energy market offers tremendous potential for growth, and with Enicity's impressive track record and partnership approach, we are well-positioned to make a substantial impact. EU markets are already facing complex challenges in terms of adapting power and grid infrastructure to a new electric landscape, and we have shown that our expertise and solutions platform provides a new means to overcome these challenges."

Alan McHugh, Managing Director, Enicity said: “We are delighted to become part of the Utility Innovation Group family. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter, as we combine our expertise with UIG's vast resources, solutions platform, and global reach. Together, we are poised to bring unparalleled innovation to the European energy market and drive the adoption of sustainable energy solutions at scale."

For more information, please visit UtilityInnovation.com

UtilityInnovation Group (UIG) is a leader in designing, building, protecting, and operating the global carbon-free grid of the future. UIG, founded by the core leadership team which helped shape the US microgrid market, specializes in utility protection and controls engineering, substation and distribution development, microgrid development, and grid resiliency. Together with their partners, UIG has developed an industry leading, international presence dedicated to their mission of shaping the future of electric grid infrastructure across the globe through an explicit focus on decarbonization and the ever-increasing need for resiliency.

Enicity Cranfield Limited (Enicity) provides advice and partnership for projects and businesses interacting with the power industry for power generation, transmission, storage or demand. Advice is based on experience spanning 20 years as developer, designer, constructor and equipment supplier. The company serves a range of sectors from data centres and pharmaceuticals to utilities and power generation/storage. Clients include project funders, developers, operators and product/service providers. Enicity was founded by Alan McHugh, an electrical engineer with a background in developing and building large energy infrastructure projects.

Alan McHugh has been at the forefront of important energy projects in Ireland, UK and Europe. Prior to establishing Enicity, he directed a market-leading, high voltage design and construction business, delivering grid connections and other power infrastructure for data centres, utilities and a variety of power generation and industrial businesses. For over a decade he played pivotal roles at Ireland’s transmission system operator, project managing the Ireland-Wales “East West” (€600m) and Ireland-France “Celtic” (€1bn+) Interconnector as well as directing investments in the Irish grid. His senior management appointments included overseeing connections to the transmission grid, new infrastructure delivery and as head of external communications and public affairs. He is a trusted, well-connected professional and a frequent contributor to industry consultations, forums and speaking panels.