Illinois-based solar, wind and battery energy company UL has acquired Colorado firm Homer Energy, a specialist in modelling and optimisation software for microgrids.
 
The acquisition combines UL’s expertise in renewables and battery technology with Homer Energy’s systems design, distributed energy project management and data capabilities. According to UL, it will allow the firm to expand its range of services across the renewable energy value chain, especially in the distributed energy market.
 
Homer Energy is a privately owned company that provides training, advisory and analytic services, and community tools to industry, government, researchers and enthusiasts in the energy industry.
 
In a statement, UL described Homer Energy software as setting “the global standard for decision making concerning the optimal mix of resources, system configuration, and capital and operating costs of microgrids”.
 
Homer Energy employees will join UL’s existing energy and power technologies division.
 
“The distributed energy market is a fast-growing segment of the renewable power industry,” said Jeff Smidt, vice president and general manager of UL’s energy and power technologies division. “By combining our expertise in product testing certification and Homer Energy’s expertise in system design capabilities, we will help customers along the microgrids value chain realise more value and reinforce UL’s mission to make the world a safer place.”
 
Homer Energy CEO Peter Lilienthal added: “We are excited to join forces with UL to offer expanded services in the renewable energy market. UL’s footprint will enable us to expand rapidly into global markets that have demand. Like UL, our primary focus is maintaining a high level of service to our existing clients while providing them additional services and expertise to increase their assets’ value.”