The global defense sector just found a cleaner way to keep the lights on in the middle of a war zone. PowerUP Energy Technologies has successfully secured €10 million in a Series A funding round to expand its production of hydrogen fuel cell generators. This Tallinn based startup is not just making promises in a lab. Their technology is currently supporting troops on the ground in Ukraine.
This fresh injection of capital marks a pivotal moment for the company as it bridges the gap between green energy and national security. The round was co-led by Mercaton and ScaleWolf. They were joined by the SmartCap Green Fund. This financial backing will allow PowerUP to take its silent and emission free generators to a global market that is desperate for reliable off grid power.
Investors Bet Big on Dual Use Energy Solutions
Investors are flocking to technology that serves both civilian and military needs. This trend is commonly known as dual use technology. The €10 million investment into PowerUP highlights a shift in how venture capitalists view defense tech. It is no longer just about weapons. It is about logistics and survival.
ScaleWolf is a key player here. They are known for backing defense technology that has real world applications. Their involvement signals that PowerUP has passed the strict validation requirements needed for military grade hardware. SmartCap Green Fund also joined the round. Their participation ensures the company stays true to its environmental roots while scaling up operations.
The capital will primarily fuel three core areas of the business:
- Manufacturing Expansion: Ramping up production lines to meet the backlog of orders from defense contractors and industrial clients.
- Global Footprint: Establishing new sales and support hubs in Central Europe and North America.
- Research and Development: Creating larger and more powerful fuel cell units to handle heavier energy loads.
PowerUP has positioned itself at the intersection of two booming industries. The demand for clean energy is rising at the same time nations are increasing their defense budgets. This funding round proves that investors see a massive opportunity in satisfying both needs simultaneously.
hydrogen fuel cell generator military field usage
From Space Agency Origins to the Front Lines
The technology behind PowerUP did not start in a garage. It began with the stars. The core tech was originally engineered for the European Space Agency (ESA). Space missions require equipment that is light, durable and capable of working in the harshest environments known to man.
Ivar Kruusenberg founded PowerUP in 2016 with a clear vision. He wanted to bring that space age reliability down to Earth. The result is a modular hydrogen fuel cell system that solves a major problem for field operations. Traditional diesel generators are heavy and loud. They also produce heat signatures that are easy for enemy drones to spot with thermal cameras.
PowerUP generators solve these tactical nightmares:
- Silence: They operate almost silently which is crucial for stealth missions.
- No Emissions: They produce only water and heat which reduces the environmental footprint.
- Low Heat Signature: They run much cooler than combustion engines making them harder to detect.
The real test for this technology came recently. While many clean tech companies are still testing prototypes in safe controlled environments the PowerUP units are currently active in Ukraine. This real world validation is something money cannot buy. It proves the equipment works when lives are on the line.
“While other technologies are still being tested in labs, ours has already been battle-tested on the front lines in Ukraine. This is the very definition of dual-use innovation,” said Ivar Kruusenberg, CEO of PowerUP Energy Technologies.
Why Hydrogen Outperforms Diesel in Crisis
The battle for energy independence is not just about soldiers. It is about hospitals, telecommunications towers and rescue teams. When the power grid fails due to a storm or a cyberattack people need backup power immediately.
Diesel generators have been the standard for decades. However they come with massive logistical headaches. You have to transport heavy liquid fuel. You have to perform constant maintenance on moving engine parts. You have to deal with toxic fumes. Hydrogen fuel cells utilize a chemical reaction to produce electricity.
Here is a breakdown of why modern infrastructure is switching to hydrogen solutions like those from PowerUP:
| Feature | Diesel Generator | PowerUP Hydrogen Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | Very Loud (Requires ear protection) | Silent (Suitable for tents/offices) |
| Maintenance | High (Oil changes, filters, moving parts) | Low (No moving parts in the stack) |
| Emissions | CO2, NOx, Particulate Matter | Pure Water Vapor |
| Fuel Stability | Degrades over time (Algae growth) | Hydrogen gas does not degrade |
| Detection Risk | High (Noise + Heat) | Low (Silent + Cool) |
This comparison highlights why the defense sector is interested. But it also explains why the commercial sector is paying attention. Telecom companies need backup power for remote towers. If a tower goes down during a disaster communication is lost. A hydrogen generator can sit dormant for months and start instantly when needed.
Scaling Up for a Global Market
The Series A funding allows PowerUP to stop functioning like a boutique engineering firm and start acting like a global manufacturer. The company plans to aggressively hire new talent. They are looking for engineers to push the R&D boundaries and sales teams to crack the North American market.
The United States represents a massive opportunity. The US military is actively seeking renewable energy solutions to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels in the field. Transporting diesel to forward operating bases is dangerous and expensive. Convoys carrying fuel are prime targets. By switching to hydrogen or generating power on site the logistics chain becomes safer and simpler.
The company is also looking at the “UP” product line evolution. Currently they offer portable units like the UP400 and UP1K. These are great for charging batteries, radios and small electronics. The new funding will help them build larger units capable of powering entire command centers or field hospitals.
There is also a strong push for civilian resilience. With extreme weather events becoming more common due to climate change the power grid is less reliable. Homeowners and small business owners are looking for alternatives to noisy gas generators. PowerUP intends to fill that gap with user friendly consumer versions of their military grade tech.
Energy independence is becoming a priority for everyone from generals to homeowners. This €10 million investment ensures that PowerUP will be there to supply the hardware.
The success of PowerUP serves as a blueprint for other European deep tech startups. It shows that if you build something robust enough for space and tough enough for war investors will support you. The company has proven that green energy is not just about saving the planet. It is about keeping people safe in the most dangerous places on Earth.
The world is watching closely. If PowerUP can successfully scale its manufacturing and distribution it could replace the noisy rumble of diesel engines with the silent hum of hydrogen.
Do you think hydrogen technology is ready to replace diesel generators in your daily life or business? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you found this update on clean defense tech interesting please share it on social media using #CleanDefense and tag your tech savvy friends.
