With continuous electricity needs, increased consumption on the one hand and intermittent production using renewable energies on the other, the energy flexibility implemented by Orus Energy in buildings contributes to relieving tensions on the network. Launched in mid-2023, The startup raised 2.2 million euros in funding.
“Building managers can consume at the right time. We are moving flexible uses such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning or even charging stations by controlling a call for power outside of consumption peaks.” explains Fanny Sauvée, COO and co-founder of Orus Energy. Through its algorithms, the start-up analyzes the thermal behavior of a site and relies on the inertia of buildings. Thus, when the peak hour in winter extends from 9 am to 11 am for heating, Orus Energy control triggers it beforehand and suspends it during this period. “We don't lose comfort temperatures thanks to our algorithms and thermal inertia. The objective is to consume better, not necessarily less.”
Remunerative flexibility
With one million square meters registered on the platform, mainly in the tertiary sector with customers such as Ikea or La Poste Immobilier, Orus Energy believes that it brings three benefits to its users.“We offer a new income to managers because we are paid by the electricity markets for the new capacities that we make available in case of tension. Our business model consists in compensating ourselves in this way but also in returning most of the earnings to our customers.” In addition to sharing value, the startup intends to contribute to the resilience of the network, and drastically reduce peak carbon intensity. “We also contribute to the security of supply and, as such, have a citizen impact.”
A positioning that allowed Orus Energy to raise part of its envelope from two French impact funds: Asterion and Ring Capital. “These two funds open up a French network for us and provide us with quality and advice. We also raised with B2venture because this fund has already supported several unicorns and gives us European coloring that meets our ambitions.” explains Fanny Sauvée.
Start growing
While Orus Energy benefits from a certain commercial attraction, this envelope aims to accelerate product development by recruiting a technical team. “There are five of us now and we aim to be around 20 in two years.” On the other hand, the startup wants to expand. Already present in the tertiary sector in offices and retail, Orus Energy can also manage residential buildings. “Our technology is mainly applied to sites of more than 5,000 square meters, but it is also suitable for all surfaces.”
