Limerick-based smart grid company, VIOTAS, has recently announced an exciting new partnership that will allow the firm to expand its operations into New Zealand. Teaming up with electricity provider WEL Networks, VIOTAS will be working towards decarbonizing the electricity supply for WEL Network’s 100,000 customers in the city of Hamilton, located in the North Island. This latest partnership marks a significant milestone for VIOTAS, as their technologies are now live in multiple countries including Ireland, France, Australia, and New Zealand. The announcement comes as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in business.
Founded in 2013 by Dr. Paddy Finn and Duncan O’Toole, VIOTAS specializes in services that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their grid balancing capability has grown to match the size of Ireland’s largest peat-fueled power plant. In support of WEL Networks’ efforts to manage increasing amounts of renewable energy on the grid, VIOTAS will be providing the necessary hardware, software, and training remotely from their Australian base, with additional support from their headquarters in Limerick. With over 100 employees across its operations, VIOTAS expanded outside of Europe in 2020 with the opening of its Melbourne offices, creating 60 new jobs. The company, formerly known as Electricity Exchange, underwent a rebranding in the same year to facilitate its expansion, with most of the new jobs being based in Limerick.
Duncan O’Toole, the commercial director of VIOTAS, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “From humble beginnings with three employees operating out of a box room in Limerick, we’ve grown to be recognized as a leader in the power Demand Response space due to our continuous investment in R&D.” He also mentioned that the company recently celebrated its hundredth employee joining and currently has several diverse job openings across the business. Garth Dibley, the CEO of WEL Networks, explained that the decision to choose VIOTAS was based on their advanced technology, operational speed, and real-time demand insights that they are able to provide.
In conclusion, O’Toole expressed his delight at working with WEL Networks in New Zealand and outlined the company’s ambitious strategic plan to continue growing the business and providing employment opportunities, particularly in Limerick and the Mid-West region. This partnership not only signifies VIOTAS’ expanding global presence but also highlights their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy sources in the electricity sector. With their innovative technologies and expertise, VIOTAS is well-positioned to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
