Optimisation and analytics shape March energy deals

Drax, S&P Global, Aurora, Beazley, and Energy Aspects have all over the month of March and into April announced acquisitions, aimed to bolster their offerings either in market expertise and analytics, or in asset optimisation.

Drax acquires Flexitricity

One of the most notable developments comes from the UK’s Drax, which has completed its acquisition of Flexitricity Limited, a UK-based optimiser of flexible energy assets. 

Founded in 2004, Flexitricity provides optimisation and route-to-market services to owners of flexible energy assets, via its proprietary controls platform, enabling their participation in the wholesale energy, balancing and ancillary services markets. The company supports over 900MW of operational assets, spanning BESS, gas peakers, renewables and demand-side response.

The integration of Flexitricity is expected to play a central role in Drax’s ambitions to build out a gigawatt-scale pipeline of battery storage opportunities, while also enhancing its ability to optimise third-party assets. The company already provides a route to market for approximately 2,000 embedded renewable assets through its Drax Energy Solutions business.

Commenting on the deal, Drax Group Chief Commercial Officer Paul Sheffield said: “This is an exciting moment for both Drax and Flexitricity as we bring two great teams together. The completion of the acquisition provides Drax with AI-enabled optimisation capabilities that will enhance how we manage and monetise flexible generation and storage assets.

“As we continue to develop our gigawatt-scale pipeline of BESS opportunities, alongside our other flexible generation assets, we can enhance our system support, further strengthen security of supply and deliver 24/7 renewable power to our customers.

“We will continue to explore options to invest in flexible and renewable energy, creating value for stakeholders and attractive returns for shareholders in line with our capital allocation policy.”

Beazley acquires kWh Analytics

Also in the UK, Beazley has moved to strengthen its position in transition risk underwriting through the acquisition of kWh Analytics, a US-based renewable energy managing general agent. 

The deal reflects a growing focus on the insurance dimension of the energy transition, particularly as renewable portfolios scale and risk modelling becomes more complex.

Adrian Cox, CEO of Beazley, said: “The energy transition represents one of the most significant opportunities for the specialty insurance market. At Beazley, we see transition underwriting as a dynamic, long term driver of structural growth, with investment in the energy transition projected to reach multiple trillions in the next decade.

“kWh Analytics’ reputation as an innovative player in the renewable energy space is well established, and this acquisition reflects our continued investment in the capabilities needed to support our transition clients with solutions to complex risk. I’m excited to work with the fantastic team at kWh Analytics.”

Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics, added: “Joining Beazley represents an exciting new chapter for kWh Analytics. Together, we will accelerate the development of risk products and services that support the energy transition. Beazley’s global reach and commitment to innovation make them the right partner to scale our mission.”

More business news from the energy sector:
Octopus Energy to acquire major stake in US flexibility provider Uplight 
Iberdrola sells UK metering provider SP Dataserve to IMServ
Can the EU's Clean Energy Investment Strategy work?

S&P Global acquires Enertel AI

New York-based S&P Global has expanded its power market intelligence offering through the acquisition of Enertel AI Corporation, a company specialising in AI and machine learning-driven short-term power price forecasting for North American electricity markets.

These new capabilities will join S&P Global's Energy division, which has established itself as a source for long-term power market intelligence, offering benchmarks, historical price data and strategic forecasts. 

With the addition of Enertel AI Corporation, S&P Global Energy now delivers real-time, AI-powered nodal price forecasts and decision tools that physical power traders, utilities and asset operators rely on to navigate the rapidly evolving grid. This creates a broad view of the power market, says S&P Global, from long-range strategic outlooks to next-day nodal pricing. 

Said Dave Ernsberger, President, S&P Global Energy: “The power markets are undergoing unprecedented transformation, and our customers need intelligence that moves at pace. 

"Enertel AI Corporation was built for this environment. Their proven track record and innovative approach make them a natural and compelling addition to S&P Global Energy. We're committed to expanding into high-value areas of the Energy market, and this acquisition is a clear step forward in that strategy."

Aurora acquires EDC Associates

Also bolstering their market analysis expertise, UK-based think tank Aurora Energy Research acquired EDC Associates, a consultancy specialising in Alberta’s electricity market.

The acquisition strengthens Aurora’s capabilities in regional power markets, coming as the province prepares for structural reform, including the introduction of the Restructured Energy Market (REM) in 2027.

By combining EDC’s local expertise with Aurora’s modelling and analytics platform, the company aims to deepen its market insights and support investment decision-making in what it describes as one of North America’s most dynamic power markets.

Said Rob Youngs, Aurora’s Canada Country Lead: “We are excited to combine EDC’s proven deep local market expertise with Aurora’s leading modelling capabilities and global footprint to provide an even better offering for the Alberta power sector.

“In these times of the Restructured Energy Market and the move to locational marginal pricing, clients will benefit from applying market-leading nodal modelling to the Alberta power market.”

Energy Aspects to acquire Kayrros

Finally, UK-based Energy Aspects has agreed to acquire Kayrros, a Paris-based energy analytics firm known for its satellite-driven data capabilities.

The deal, subject to regulatory approval, marks a further step in Energy Aspects’ strategy to expand its data offering, following previous integrations including OilX, INAS and TankWatch.

Energy Aspects says that Kayrros’ strengths in geospatial proprietary data and machine learning will enhance its offering, enabling clients to benefit from more timely, actionable intelligence across the energy value chain.

Such earth observation capabilities, they add, have proven particularly valuable during periods of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, including recent events in the Middle East, where rapid and unbiased geospatial data is critical for accurate market analysis.

Fredrik Fosse, CEO of Energy Aspects, said: “The future of energy market intelligence will be shaped by data, technology and advanced analytics. Bringing Kayrros into Energy Aspects allows us to combine our deep market expertise with world-leading satellite and geospatial data capabilities.” 

“Together we will accelerate innovation and deliver a new generation of data-driven insights to clients across energy and financial markets.” 

Antoine Rostand, President and Co-founder of Kayrros, added: "Joining forces with Energy Aspects marks the start of a decisive new chapter for Kayrros.

"We share a firm belief that better data makes for better decisions and together we will move faster to provide more exact, more actionable energy intelligence. This will greatly improve our ability to innovate at speed and redefine what clients can expect from energy data and intelligence.” 

Taken together, these transactions underline a clear trend across the sector: as power systems become more complex and data-driven, companies are investing heavily in capabilities that enhance optimisation, forecasting and risk management. 

Whether through AI-enabled trading tools, satellite-based monitoring or advanced underwriting models, the focus is increasingly on extracting value from data while navigating a rapidly evolving energy landscape.