Yottar wants to help energy users find capacity on the electrical grid

As global energy demands surge, driven by advancements in AI and electric vehicles, the electrical grid is facing unprecedented pressure. Yottar, an emerging startup, is stepping in to alleviate these challenges by providing detailed mappings of electrical grid capacity. This service assists companies in pinpointing optimal locations for their new data centers, EV charging stations, and other power-intensive operations. Peter Clutton-Brock, co-founder and CEO of Yottar, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The electrification super cycle is colliding with the AI data center boom, leading grid operators to grapple with significant backlogs." He illustrated this point by mentioning that in the London area, nearly all capacity for large-scale data centers has been exhausted. The pressing question is not whether there is spare capacity but rather when the necessary upgrades will be implemented. As aging electrical grids struggle to keep pace with rising demands, startups like Yottar are emerging to support energy users with innovative solutions. While other companies, such as Gridcare, focus on identifying unused capacity within existing infrastructure, Yottar takes a different route. Rather than disputing current capacity claims, Yottar creates comprehensive maps that reveal precisely where grid capacity is available and the amount of power each location can provide. Clutton-Brock noted that Yottar is targeting what he calls 'medium-sized demand developers,' which includes organizations that consume electricity rather than generate it. The projects they handle generally range from 1 to 5 megawatts. Notable clients of Yottar include Tesla and the U.K. National Health Service (NHS). Tesla utilizes the startup's software as a service (SaaS) platform to choose locations for new Supercharger stations and to enhance existing ones. Similarly, the NHS leverages Yottar's mapping capabilities to identify clinics and hospitals suitable for EV chargers, as well as for planning solar panel installations and new radiology units. According to Clutton-Brock, the NHS cannot afford to evaluate each potential site individually, making Yottar's service invaluable. Recently, the startup secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Haatch, with contributions from Cape Capital and angel investors. Additionally, Yottar is set to launch a new feature that will streamline the process for companies to assess potential sites for upgrades or new installations. Yottar sources much of its data from distribution networks that are mandated by regulators to share this information. The company also acquires private data and updates its records using anonymized information from successful grid connections facilitated by its clients. Currently, Yottar operates on a per-seat fee structure combined with usage charges based on site evaluations. Clutton-Brock identified consultants as the main competitors in the market, particularly for smaller demand developers who find traditional consultancy options impractical. Presently, Yottar focuses its operations in the U.K., but Clutton-Brock envisions expansion into the U.S. and other international markets, asserting, "This is a global issue that requires a global solution."