The picture shows the so-called Duck Curve and how Qvantum's heat pumps can help to move and even out the load over the day. The curve got its name because, in the evening, its shape resembles the silhouette of a duck – with a tail, belly and a protruding neck
The award highlights companies that address one of the biggest global energy challenges: how electricity systems with a growing share of renewable energy can maintain balance when production and demand are no longer aligned in time.
Energy systems around the world are facing a rapidly growing challenge, the so-called Duck Curve. The phenomenon occurs when solar energy plants produce more electricity in the middle of the day than what is demanded and then plummets sharply when the sun goes down and demand increases. In markets with a high share of renewable energy, such as Spain and California, the problem is already acute.
The phenomenon is growing rapidly as renewable energy is installed globally. In several markets, solar power capacity has almost doubled, which has made the curve ever deeper. This has forced system operators to increasingly limit or even shut down renewable generation to protect electricity grids from congestion.
BloombergNEF has identified 'Flattening the Duck Curve' as one of the top three global energy challenges in 2026. More than 600 innovations participated, which is a measure of how extensive and important the issue has become not only for energy companies, but for households, companies and entire communities.
'For us, this award is just as much about a vision for how the energy system of the future will function as technology and connectivity. When heat pumps become active resources in the electricity grid, a completely new logic is created: households, properties and companies go from passive consumers to key players in the green energy transition. This is exactly the future we are building for, and I am both proud and happy that BloombergNEF is recognising it,' says Fredrik Rosenqvist, CEO, Qvantum, who will participate in the award ceremony during the BloombergNEF Summit in New York.
Three system-integrated innovations from Qvantum strengthen the role of the heat pump in the energy system of the future through flexible electricity use (HP2G® - Heat Pump to Grid), automated interaction with the electricity market and electricity grid (flexready®) and digital monitoring for long-term optimised performance and preventive maintenance (Digital Doctor).