Solutions for grid balance

The CHP pioneer 2G Energy has become an international provider of decentralized energy solutions. The magazine stadt+werk spoke with the new CEO Pablo Hofelich about growth, strategy, and the role of the company in the energy system of the future.

Mr. Hofelich, you recently took over the role of CEO at 2G Energy from Christian Grotholt. How have your first few weeks been and what are your priorities?

It is indeed a very intense period. We are experiencing a major growth spurt while simultaneously navigating a change in leadership, which presents its own set of challenges. However, this step did not come as a surprise to us. I have been with the company for a year, and we deliberately took ten months to ensure an orderly handover. As a result, many things are continuing seamlessly; it doesn't feel like a sudden break, but rather like a continuation in new roles. The major issues we are currently addressing are managing growth and the strategic development of the company. This includes diversifying our product portfolio with new technologies such as heat pumps and demand response units. At the same time, we are pushing ahead with internationalization.

The federal government recently set a new course for energy policy. How do you assess the framework conditions?

It is fundamentally positive that the energy transition is gaining momentum. The biomass package that has now been approved is a good sign for the entire industry. It creates new prospects and opens up new opportunities for investors. However, the speed at which political decisions are implemented is also important to us. In addition, we welcome the fact that politicians are paying greater attention to the issue of hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants. These power plants are important as a back-up for renewable energies, and we can offer suitable solutions for them.

What role will combined heat and power (CHP) play in the future?

In our view, CHP is the logical partner for renewable energies. Solar or wind power and heat pumps alone cannot reliably secure the energy supply because these technologies, or their combination, are dependent on weather conditions. CHP plants provide the necessary flexibility. They can operate economically during periods of high electricity prices while also contributing to grid stability. We have bundled this concept under the term Green Cube, which intelligently combines combined heat and power and heat pumps. The Green Cube is a flexible solution that can be used to cover peak loads, provide backup power, or supply electricity to the grid.

How exactly do heat pumps and CHP systems complement each other?

The combination ensures a reliable, sustainable, and economical energy supply. When electricity from renewable sources is available at low cost, the heat pump takes over. In times of high electricity prices, the CHP plant comes into play, generating both electricity and heat at the same time. This allows us to always use the most economical technology and at the same time operate in a way that benefits the system. For the customer, this means constant security of supply at optimized costs. In addition, the combination of both technologies reduces CO2 emissions throughout the entire energy system.

Another buzzword is demand response. What does that mean for your company?

Demand response is a strategically important field for us. In recent years, we have invested heavily in developing aggregates that can ramp up quickly and thus stabilize the grid. This flexibility is necessary because the power grids are under heavy strain due to the massive expansion of renewable energies. The demand response market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. At the same time, demand is rising due to heat pumps, electric cars, but also data centers and AI applications, which have fluctuating and sometimes very high electricity requirements. Demand response solutions are therefore crucial in order to be able to react quickly and maintain balance in the grid. Demand for such solutions is particularly high in the US, which is why we will be launching the products there as early as the beginning of 2026.

You just mentioned data centers. You even set up a separate unit for this. Why?

Data centers are among the largest additional consumers of electricity. The grids are not designed for this in the short term. Operators therefore need local, independent power solutions, known as stand-alone solutions. These can be most reliably implemented with gas engines . In the US, this trend has been very noticeable for around a year and a half, and it is now reaching Europe too. That is why we have set up our own unit, Data Center Solutions, which deals specifically with such projects. The market is growing at enormous speed, and we see huge potential here for the next five to ten years.

Large heat pumps are also new to the portfolio. How important are these for your business?

They’re very important. On the one hand, they are an important component of our diversification strategy. On the other hand, they strengthen the Heek location because we produce the large heat pumps here. They perfectly complement our portfolio because they are particularly interesting when electricity prices are low. At the same time, we can transfer much of our experience and components from the CHP sector. We use identical parts, container solutions, and our digital systems. This enables us to leverage synergies and offer our customers flexible and economical solutions.

Let's talk about hydrogen. Some people see it as nothing more than a niche product. What is your assessment?

We go one step further than many others: our plants are not only H2-ready, but H2-proven. This means that we already have around 40 plants in the field that run on hydrogen – in various mixing ratios – and do so reliably. We see ourselves as pioneers in this field. Alongside biogas, hydrogen is the second most important source of green molecules. Of course, the market does not have the momentum that was expected a few years ago. The hype has died down somewhat. But the key thing is that a functioning market with clear prices is developing. That is happening right now, although more slowly than initially predicted. We are prepared for this and can work flexibly with both green molecules.

What goals have you set for yourself for the coming years?

Our goal is to be internationally diversified and to be among the top three in all key markets. We want to be a complete provider of sustainable energy and heating solutions and not limit ourselves to one product or market. At the same time, it is important to us that we preserve our corporate agility, speed, partnership-based cooperation, and close ties to our location in Heek. Our growth markets are where the grids are under pressure and demand for renewable energies and electrification is rising rapidly. This applies to Europe, North America, and increasingly also Asia. We see great opportunities in all of these markets.

Interview: Alexander Schaef, Energie + Effizienz