Digital marketplace for self-build solutions from the energy industry

24.04.2026

Source: E & M powernews

"The network partners" are launching a digital platform for energy suppliers, municipal utilities and grid companies. The aim: to share in-house developments, tools and services.

Tried-and-tested solutions can be offered or used on the "network partner marketplace", according to a press release from the network partners. This could create synergies, reduce development costs and accelerate access to proven solutions.

The initiative should also be seen against the background that energy suppliers are facing similar challenges across the industry: increasing regulatory requirements, digitalization, efficiency pressure and the implementation of the energy transition. At the same time, many companies are developing comparable solutions several times in parallel - often with a high use of resources.

"With the network partner marketplace, we are creating a cooperative innovation ecosystem in which our members share expertise and generate economic benefits together," explains Benjamin Pehle, Managing Director of the network partners. "Our task is to orchestrate this exchange and jointly scale proven solutions from municipal and corporate practice."

The marketplace is integrated into the network partners' extranet and is currently only available to member companies. The offering ranges from support with billing and customer processes to solutions for grid and infrastructure technology and services from operation, maintenance and monitoring as well as portfolio services, for example in the photovoltaic sector.

The network partners not only provide the technical platform, but also support providers and companies looking for it. This includes support with communication, marketing and making initial contact between partners. At the same time, the marketplace opens up new opportunities for companies to monetize their own expertise and innovations on a high-reach sales platform with around 140 other energy suppliers.

"We bring together the players who have already developed practical solutions and offer them a showcase in the network," says Mehmet Keser, Head of Cooperation at the network partners. "During the set-up process, we work with the members to record services, standardize descriptions and create transparency about who offers which skills."

First services and partners

All services offered originate from the operational environment of energy suppliers and are geared towards the specific requirements of the industry. According to the network partners, this often eliminates the need for costly adaptations of external standard solutions.

At the start, several member companies are already represented on the platform with their own offerings, including Stadtwerke Düren, "pattr" as the digital subsidiary of Stadtwerke Neustadt am Rübenberge, "NEW AG" and Westenergie AG. They are among the first to make their tried-and-tested solutions available to other energy suppliers, thereby laying the foundations for the marketplace.

According to the network partners, around 30 other services from the circle of members are currently in preparation and are to be successively activated.

Author: Günter Drewnitzky