Berlin Startup Nuventura Acquired by Lucy Electric to Drive Sustainable Energy Solutions
Nuventura, a Berlin-based startup specialising in SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear, has been acquired by Lucy Electric, a global leader in sustainable electrical infrastructure. The move strengthens both companies’ positions in supporting Europe’s energy transition, as the EU prepares to phase out SF₆—a potent greenhouse gas—in new medium-voltage switchgear by 2026.
The acquisition aligns with Nuventura’s mission to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gas-insulated switchgear. “The switchgear market is undergoing the most fundamental technology shift for decades,” said Manjunath Ramesh, managing director and CTO of Nuventura. “Becoming part of Lucy Electric marks the next chapter in our growth and will enable us to scale up and offer a broader range of high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions globally.”
Nuventura, founded in 2017, specialises in dry-air gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), which replaces SF₆ with compressed dry air. This patented technology maintains the compactness, safety, and reliability of traditional GIS while eliminating the environmental impact of fluorinated gases. The company launched the world’s first 36 kV dry-air GIS, followed by a 24 kV option, enabling utilities and industries to adopt sustainable technology without compromising performance.
The EU’s F-gas regulation is accelerating demand for such alternatives. Starting in 2026, SF₆ will be banned in new medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV, with further restrictions planned for higher voltages by 2030. Nuventura’s technology is designed to meet these regulatory requirements, offering utilities and industrial users a compliant and scalable solution.
In September 2023, Nuventura secured a €25 million Series A investment led by Mirova, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Lucy Group, Nuventura’s new parent company, is a global organisation dedicated to sustainability, operating through three divisions: Lucy Electric, Lucy Controls, and Lucy Real Estate. Lucy Electric, a key player in electrical infrastructure, provides switchgear, EV charging solutions, and smart city technologies. The acquisition provides Nuventura with access to Lucy Group’s global footprint, customer relationships, and industrial scale, enabling faster deployment of its technology across utilities, renewable energy projects, and industrial applications worldwide.
“This enables market entry into the primary switchgear space with technology that directly supports the transition to cleaner, lower-carbon power networks,” said John Griffiths, CEO of Lucy Electric.
With over 2,000 employees across six continents, Lucy Group operates manufacturing facilities in the UK, Middle East, India, Asia-Pacific, and South America, offering standard and custom products alongside installation and maintenance services.
