Utilizing Green Energy Economically
Interview with Oliver Ziegler, Managing Director and Ralf Höper, Managing Director of ANE GmbH & Co. KG
In today’s highly competitive business world, the economic argument for green initiatives often takes center stage. Enterprises must demonstrate how these ecological measures are economically viable. ANE GmbH & Co. KG embodies this approach by integrating renewable energy sources into an efficient business model. By equity participation from municipal ownership to operators of wind and solar farms, ANE fosters a network that propels green energy forward and secures its marketing, thus proving that ecological responsibility is compatible with economic success.
ANE was founded by operators of renewable energy sources who aim for an independent and truly green energy marketing. CEO and co-founder Ralf Höper explains: "We wanted to establish a green power trader that is not caught up in corporate structures, but implements the idea of democratized energy." Since its inception in 2017, the company has developed rapidly. In just three and a half years, ANE achieved a turnover of over 575 million EUR. This impressive performance is the result of a bold business strategy and led to the decision to bring in new partners, such as Hamburger Energiewerke, early on.
Technological Focus
A central aspect of ANE is digital infrastructure. "We focused on digitalization very early because we entered a highly competitive market," says Ralf Höper. ANE uses modern technologies to make electricity trading efficient. The combination of technological understanding and market knowledge allows us to respond flexibly to market changes. "We are more of a technology company in the energy market than a traditional energy supplier," emphasizes Oliver Ziegler, who joined ANE in 2019 as head of finance and controlling, and has been part of the management team since July 2022.
Promoting Sustainability
ANE positions itself clearly in the B2B sector. The company sells green energy to industrial customers through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and offers certificates of origin, which are important for the carbon footprint of the customers. "We are enablers for many industrial customers who want to achieve their ESG goals," explains Oliver Ziegler. The collaboration with large companies like Deutsche Bahn shows that ANE is already recognized as a reliable partner in the industry.
Planning a Green Future
ANE plans to expand its portfolio further and tap into new business fields. "In the coming years, we want to invest more in the flexibility of production and consumption," says Ralf Höper. This includes, among others, battery storage and Power-to-X technologies. The managing directors agree that the company wants to continue to grow organically without losing the agility that has made it a successful player in the market. With a combination of technological expertise and a clear focus on sustainability, the company is well positioned to operate successfully in the ever-changing energy industry. Oliver Ziegler sums it up aptly: "We are proud to be part of the energy transition and will continue to do everything we can to market green energy efficiently and sustainably."