Verlume has secured £7.2m in funding to drive its expansion plans.
The Scottish National Investment Bank has provided £6.6m of support to the Aberdeen-based firm, whose technology uses intelligent energy management to deliver a constant output of power from renewable sources.
Verlume’s flagship product Halo is a multi-use subsea battery storage system which reserves power generated from intermittent renewable energy sources like wind power.
Richard Knox, chief executive officer of Verlume, said: “This is an enormous step forward, as it will provide the funds necessary to execute significantly larger projects, which will in turn, grow the strength and diversity of our team.
“In the year that we are celebrating 10 years in business, the support from the Scottish National Investment Bank will allow us to continue to invest in our people, our technology and operational capabilities to deliver on our vision of being a global company at the forefront of the energy transition.”
Verlume has identified offshore wind as a significant opportunity for growth.
As well as being able to increase overall energy output, Halo’s battery technology can also be used as a charging point for servicing vessels, sensor equipment and autonomous subsea vehicles to help further reduce carbon emissions associated with servicing and maintaining fixed and offshore floating wind farms.
Robin Tayal, investment director at the Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “Verlume has been at the forefront of energy transition since the company’s inception in 2013 - the bank’s backing will allow them to scale-up and further transfer its considerable skills within the subsea sector into marine renewable energy.
“The investment further demonstrates our belief that the north east of Scotland can become a global power house in energy transition.
“Verlume will now be able to grow, attract new talent and play a crucial role in the Scottish, UK and international offshore wind supply chain.”
As well as money from the bank, an additional £600,000 was raised via an offer to existing Verlume investors to boost their equity stake. This was managed by Edinburgh-based venture capital firm Par Equity.
Knox added: “Thank you to the Scottish National Investment Bank, and to our existing investors, Par Equity, Orchard Venture Capital and Scottish Enterprise for their continued backing and support.
“I must also thank our local Aberdeen legal advisors, Stronachs, for their expert legal advice in helping us close this round.”
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