Slovak Investment Holding takes a stake in ENSTRA, a pioneer in intelligent energy solutions
Bratislava, October 15, 2019 – Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) has taken a financial stake in ENSTRA, a pioneer in the field of the rationalization of energy distribution and supply. ENSTRA provides a range of advanced, intelligent, value-added solutions for end users which enable customers to track and manage their energy consumption in real time.
ENSTRA’s primary focus is the distribution and supply of electricity and heat within local distribution systems. It places significant emphasis on renewable sources, a prime example of this being the combined production of electricity and heat. Developing its own intelligent energy solutions is at the core of the company's strategy to offer added value to customers. As well as prioritising efficient energy consumption, the company pays great attention to both its environmental credentials and overall corporate social responsibility.
ENSTRA’s managing director, Michaela Balážová, comments, “We are deeply appreciative of SIH’s investment. There is not too many venture capital investors focusing on young technological companies in this region. The innovative financing provided by SIH is therefore particularly valuable to us. Moreover, SIH’s stake has proven to be especially beneficial in serving as a catalyst for a further co-investment from a private investor.”
ENSTRA's client portfolio includes large industrial parks, logistics centres, retail operations and shopping malls. The company envisages a gradual transition from traditional local distribution systems to intelligent technological systems in the pursuit of more efficient electricity consumption. This transition will have the additional advantage of lowering the environmental burden associated with the present energy consumption levels. ENSTRA offers an innovative portfolio of products including online metering of electricity consumption via web interface, a system for managing stored electricity capacity as well as a system for notifying consumers by means of SMS, email etc.
SIH’s investment, in tandem with the investment of the co-investor, will aid ENSTRA in increasing sales and expanding its market position in order to become the dominant alternative distribution system operator, supplier and distributor of electricity in Slovakia.
SIH’s CEO, Ivan Lesay, commented: “Increasing production and efficiency of renewable energy has emerged as an overriding objective in the energy field. This should have a positive effect on reducing emissions and the carbon footprint associated with both energy production and its distribution. SIH approaches the issue of environmental protection very seriously and this is demonstrated by several recent investments in this area. I am delighted that a number of projects are emerging on the Slovak market, which manage to effectively combine the goals of the environmental protection and of technological innovation. ENSTRA is a perfect example of such a multi-purpose investment”.
Information about ENSTRA
ENSTRA was established in 2007. Its main activities comprise the operation of local electricity distribution systems and the construction of power generation equipment. ENSTRA currently has more than 650 supply points and its contract customer base has grown to more than 350. Major clients include large companies engaged in the mining and automobile industries, as well as several industrial parks. In 2017, ENSTRA was acquired by an investor who brought know-how in the field of intelligent solutions for electricity distribution and consumption. Subsequently, the company underwent significant changes, including the introduction of modern processes that significantly streamlined the overall functioning of the company and enabled management and owners to respond more flexibly to customer needs as well as to new business opportunities. The company has firmly established itself in a cohort of leading Slovak companies with innovative potential.
Information about SIH
SIH is a 100% state-owned joint stock company. Its primary goal is to support strategic public and private investments in Slovakia in the areas of infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, social economy, health, cultural and creative industries and small and medium-sized enterprises. SIH draws on European Structural and Investment Funds to make its investments. Projects are financed exclusively in repayable form, i.e., using financial instruments rather than grants.