Grid Edge is Developing Next-Generation AI Software That Puts Flexibility at the Heart of Your Building Energy Strategy: Paul McCorquodale, CEO

Grid Edge is a technology start-up that helps commercial buildings optimize their energy use with advanced AI software. Founded as a spin-out from Aston University, the company’s cloud-based platform uses machine learning and data analytics to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. By improving energy efficiency and unlocking the potential of flexible energy assets, Grid Edge helps businesses move toward net-zero energy while also creating new revenue opportunities. The company is part of the UK’s growing shift to smart energy solutions, empowering businesses to better manage how they generate, store, and consume energy.

SME Business Review reached out to Paul McCorquodale, CEO of Grid Edge, for an interview to discuss the company's role in the smart energy revolution and its innovative AI solutions for commercial buildings. Here’s what Mr. McCorquodale had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you explain the core mission of Grid Edge and what drives the company’s innovation?

At Grid Edge, we focus on providing smarter solutions for energy efficiency. Our mission is to help businesses optimize their energy use, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact. We use a combination of data, AI-driven analytics, and automation to enable companies to manage their energy consumption in real-time. The aim is to make energy management as simple and efficient as possible, while allowing companies to transition to more sustainable practices.

How does Grid Edge’s platform help businesses optimize energy consumption?

Our platform gives businesses detailed insights into their energy consumption patterns, allowing them to identify inefficiencies and make data-driven decisions. It helps automate energy management, which reduces manual intervention and the risk of human error. Our system integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enabling companies to reduce energy waste and lower their carbon footprints. By implementing these energy-saving measures, businesses can achieve cost savings while supporting their sustainability goals.

With growing global energy demands, how does Grid Edge address the need for more sustainable energy practices?

Our platform is designed to help businesses transition smoothly to more sustainable energy practices. We provide solutions that not only optimize energy use but also integrate renewable energy sources. As the world moves toward greener energy solutions, our technology plays a key role in helping businesses manage both traditional and renewable energy sources efficiently. The goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing energy resilience and ensuring sustainability.

Could you explain the importance of real-time data in Grid Edge’s energy management solutions?

Real-time data is critical in managing energy efficiently. Our platform provides businesses with live insights into their energy consumption, enabling them to adjust usage based on factors such as weather patterns or demand fluctuations. By being able to monitor energy use in real time, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to reduced waste and optimized consumption. The ability to adapt to changes as they occur is one of the main reasons our technology delivers such significant benefits for companies.

How does the integration of renewable energy fit into Grid Edge’s offerings?

Renewable energy is a huge part of our strategy. Through our platform, we help businesses integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind into their energy systems. We provide the tools necessary to monitor and manage the production and storage of renewable energy, which ultimately reduces dependence on the grid and lowers energy costs. Additionally, we assist companies in optimizing energy storage strategies, ensuring that they can store excess energy for use during periods of high demand or when renewable resources aren’t available.

Many industries are under pressure to meet stricter environmental regulations. How does Grid Edge help businesses comply with these regulations?

We understand that businesses face increasing pressure to meet sustainability standards. Our platform helps companies meet these regulations by enabling them to reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon emissions. By offering real-time insights into energy usage, we help businesses identify areas for improvement and take action. Additionally, our solutions are designed to be scalable, so whether a business is small or large, our platform can grow with them to help ensure compliance with evolving environmental requirements.

What role does Grid Edge play in helping businesses build energy resilience?

Energy resilience is becoming increasingly important as the world faces more unpredictable weather patterns and energy supply disruptions. Through predictive analytics, our platform enables businesses to forecast energy needs and adjust their consumption accordingly. By helping businesses manage energy use more effectively, we ensure that energy supply remains stable, even during times of high demand or potential energy shortages. Our solutions give companies the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, providing a layer of security against disruptions.

How does Grid Edge’s technology promote cost savings for businesses?

One of the key advantages of our platform is its ability to reduce energy costs. By optimizing energy use, automating processes, and identifying inefficiencies, we help businesses reduce waste and lower their overall energy consumption. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage helps businesses take advantage of off-peak energy prices, resulting in even more savings. This cost reduction not only benefits a company’s bottom line but also helps them meet their sustainability goals.

What impact has Grid Edge’s platform had on industries like manufacturing or retail?

Industries such as manufacturing and retail are some of the biggest consumers of energy. By adopting our platform, companies in these sectors can drastically reduce their energy consumption, cut operational costs, and lower their carbon emissions. We have seen how our technology empowers businesses to make informed decisions, take control of their energy use, and implement energy-saving measures. This leads to long-term operational benefits, reduced environmental impact, and improved financial performance.

What advice would you give to businesses that are just beginning their sustainability journey?

My advice would be to start small, but think big. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Begin by identifying areas where you can reduce energy waste and implement simple energy-saving measures. Invest in technology that provides real-time insights into your energy use, so you can make informed decisions. And as you progress, look for opportunities to integrate renewable energy sources and energy storage into your systems. The key is to stay committed, because every small step contributes to a more sustainable future.

What are the future plans for Grid Edge? What’s next for the company?

We are constantly improving and evolving our platform. As energy needs continue to grow and become more complex, we’re focusing on developing new capabilities that further integrate renewable energy sources and energy storage. We also see significant opportunities in scaling our solutions to more businesses and industries, helping them optimize energy use and achieve their sustainability targets. Our future plans include expanding our partnerships, incorporating more cutting-edge technologies, and playing a key role in the global push towards cleaner, greener energy systems.

Paul McCorquodale, CEO, Grid Edge

“We mine high-accuracy data from a building, apply artificial intelligence, and turn it into meaningful, actionable insights to inform comfort, carbon, and cost decision-making.”