INEA INFORMATIZACIJA ENERGETIKA AVTOMATIZACIJA DOO

Their core work

INEA is a Slovenian technology SME specializing in energy management systems, grid flexibility solutions, and power plant automation. They develop software and hardware for integrating renewables into distribution grids, managing virtual power plants, and enabling demand-side management. Their work spans from PEM fuel cell power plants to smart building energy systems, with a strong focus on turning energy flexibility into tradeable grid services. They also have manufacturing capabilities in nanocomposite materials and composite processing for transport and construction sectors.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

INEA's early H2020 work (2015–2018) was more diversified, spanning nanocomposite construction materials (NANOLEAP), composite manufacturing for transport (RECOTRANS), and initial forays into grid flexibility (GOFLEX) and fuel cells (GRASSHOPPER). From 2019 onward, their portfolio consolidated sharply around energy flexibility — virtual power plants, energy storage, flexibility markets, blockchain-enabled energy communities, and 5G-connected grid services. This shift shows a company that tested multiple verticals early and then doubled down on grid flexibility as their core business identity.

INEA is moving toward decentralized energy systems — flexibility markets, energy communities, and peer-to-peer trading — positioning them for the EU's clean energy transition priorities.

How they like to work

INEA operates primarily as an active partner (9 of 12 projects) but has proven coordinator capability, leading 3 projects including their largest single grant (GIFT, EUR 1.35M). With 191 unique partners across 43 countries, they are a well-connected hub rather than a repeat-partner organization. Their broad network and willingness to work in both large consortia (LEAP-RE) and focused technical teams (GRASSHOPPER) makes them a flexible and experienced consortium member.

INEA has built a remarkably wide network for an SME — 191 unique partners across 43 countries, spanning most of Europe and extending into Africa through the LEAP-RE partnership. Their geographic reach far exceeds what is typical for a Slovenian SME.

What sets them apart

INEA combines deep software expertise in energy management with hands-on experience deploying flexibility solutions in real-world settings — from Mediterranean islands to smart buildings. As a Slovenian SME that has coordinated fuel cell and island energy projects while participating in continent-scale initiatives like LEAP-RE, they bridge the gap between Southern/Central European energy challenges and broader EU research. Their rare combination of VPP software, demand-side management, and hydrogen fuel cell experience makes them a versatile technology integrator for energy transition projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GIFT
  Their largest project (EUR 1.35M) as coordinator, deploying virtual power systems and innovative batteries on geographical islands — a high-visibility demonstrator.
• GRASSHOPPER
  Coordinated a modular PEM fuel cell power plant for grid support, combining hydrogen technology with their core flexibility expertise.
• FEVER
  Their second-largest grant (EUR 841K), tackling flexibility markets, energy communities, and blockchain — representing their most forward-looking technology portfolio.