Powering the present: distributed energy solutions for fixed assets

The global energy system is under pressure. Rapid digitalization, electrification of transport, and sustainability commitments are driving unprecedented demand. While data centers often dominate headlines, Ana Carolina emphasized that the impact spans a wide range of sectors that rely on electrification —from industrials and logistics to healthcare and retail. 

“AI-driven energy demand is reshaping the grid,” Ana Carolina explained. “But this isn’t just about tech infrastructure. Every industry with fixed assets is feeling the strain. Distributed energy resources have moved from being an alternative to a strategic necessity for businesses seeking reliability and control.” 

Paul added: “Organizations are no longer waiting for utility-scale solutions. They’re deploying microgrids, solar-plus-storage, and energy-as-a-service models to bypass interconnection delays. This isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about operational continuity and competitive advantage.” 

The growing demand for energy is not only stressing the grid—it’s driving up prices for everyday consumers. Businesses are increasingly mindful of how their energy strategies impact broader society. 

“Energy transition isn’t happening in isolation,” Paul noted. “When demand spikes, costs ripple through the economy. Companies adopting distributed solutions are doing so not only for resilience, but to reduce pressure on centralized systems and help stabilize costs.” 

Ana Carolina agreed: “Corporate responsibility is part of the equation. Larger consumers of power recognize that their choices influence affordability for communities. Distributed energy can ease grid congestion and lessen price volatility.” 

One of the most compelling trends discussed at Finance Forward was the rise of energy-as-a-service (EaaS). This model allows businesses to access advanced energy solutions without heavy upfront capital expenditure. 

“It’s flexibility,” Paul emphasized. “Companies can shift energy from a fixed asset to a managed service, aligning costs with usage and performance. For sectors with tight margins or unpredictable demand, that’s transformative.” 

Ana Carolina added: “And it facilitates adoption. Businesses can integrate distributed solutions quickly and in a scalable fashion, without waiting years for grid upgrades or having to commit to large capital deployment in one go..” 

While the benefits are clear, adopting distributed energy strategies comes with trade-offs. 

“Affordability versus permanence is a big one,” Ana Carolina noted. “DERs offer resilience, but they require careful planning to ensure long-term viability. Incentives and financing structures need to align across stakeholders—utilities, regulators, and corporates.” 

Paul added: “Transparency is critical. Collaboration between sectors helps avoid fragmented solutions. We need frameworks that balance speed of deployment with reliability and regulatory compliance.” 

So how can businesses move fast without compromising reliability? 

“Start with modular solutions,” Paul advised. “Deploy what you can now—solar arrays, battery storage—while planning for scalable integration. Partnering with experienced providers ensures technical rigor and financial predictability.” 

Ana Carolina added: “And don’t overlook collaboration. Utility programs and financing mechanisms can offset costs, but they require proactive engagement. Businesses that lead these conversations will secure the best outcomes.” 

The Finance Forward event served as more than a forum for ideas—it was a catalyst for collaboration. By bringing together leaders from finance, technology, and energy, the event highlighted the interconnected nature of today’s challenges. 

“Energy transition and energy security go hand in hand and they touch every part of the value chain—from capital markets to operational strategy,” Ana Carolina observed. “Forums like Finance Forward help us break down silos and accelerate progress.” 

Paul echoed this sentiment: “The conversations we had in Houston weren’t theoretical. They were about real projects, real timelines, and real impact. That’s what makes these dialogues so powerful.”

As distributed energy becomes mainstream, Opens in a new tabfinancial institutions like ING play a pivotal role in enabling adoption. From structuring innovative financing models to advising on risk management, ING is helping clients navigate complexity with confidence. 

“Our goal is to be more than a sector lender,” Ana Carolina said. “We want to be a strategic partner that help clients design solutions that go beyond their verticals and address societal challenges such as access to power, sustainability and affordability.” 

Paul concluded: “The energy transition is a journey, not a destination. Businesses that proactively embrace distributed solutions and are open to be flexible and transparent collaboration will define the competitive landscape tomorrow. And ING will be there to support them every step of the way.”