Carbon emissions remain a relentless driver of environmental degradation, fueling global warming, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification. While tackling this challenge requires multifaceted approaches, some solutions stand out for their immediate impact. Among them is voltage optimisation, a novel approach to energy efficiency that directly curbs Scope 2 emissions by reducing electricity consumption.
At its core, voltage optimisation adjusts incoming supply voltage to match the optimal operating levels of electrical equipment, enhancing efficiency while reducing consumption and costs. The technology is anything but marginal: with a 99.7% efficiency rate, these systems deliver significant energy reductions, often ranging between 7–12% monthly. By targeting inefficiencies that often go unnoticed, voltage optimisation offers businesses a practical way to simultaneously lower operational expenses and their carbon footprint.
This innovative approach is being piloted with Great Cosmo, a Malaysian plastic manufacturer dedicated to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Through a collaboration involving Co.Efficient Alpha and UOB FinLab’s GreenTech Accelerator program, the pilot aims to achieve a minimum 7% reduction in electricity use. This partnership underscores the alignment between sustainability ambitions and cutting-edge technology.
The Technology Behind the Promise
“Unlike many GreenTech solutions that focus on monitoring energy consumption, Co.Efficient Alpha’s voltage optimisation technology is designed for immediate impact. It combines a small physical footprint with the ability to reduce harmonics and current levels, making it both effective and scalable. Notably, the return on investment is swift—under 24 months—a compelling proposition for resource-conscious businesses,” says Damien Cheong, Founder and CEO of Co.Efficient Alpha.
He adds that such scalability is critical in regions like ASEAN, where diverse market needs demand adaptable solutions.
Co.Efficient Alpha tailors its installations to each industry’s unique requirements, from healthcare to hospitality, ensuring that its technology addresses sector-specific sustainability challenges.
Navigating Challenges in a Complex Market
However, expanding a nascent technology across ASEAN is not without hurdles. As a startup, Co.Efficient Alpha faces obstacles typical of emerging players: limited brand recognition, constrained resources, and skepticism over upfront costs despite clear long-term benefits.
The company is tackling these challenges through partnerships, like those fostered by UOB FinLab, which provide access to broader networks and amplify credibility. By leveraging these collaborations, the startup is steadily building the momentum needed for growth across diverse markets.
UOB FinLab’s GreenTech Accelerator program has also been instrumental in refining Co.Efficient Alpha’s commercial strategy. Feedback from FinLab and its corporate partners has helped the startup sharpen its go-to-market approach and adapt its models to better meet client needs.
For instance, the introduction of Voltage Optimisation-as-a-Service (VO-aaS) eliminates upfront costs for clients, allowing them to share a portion of monthly savings instead—a game-changer in gaining trust and adoption.
Scaling Across Borders
While Co.Efficient Alpha’s current focus remains on Singapore, its ambitions stretch across ASEAN and beyond. The company is actively seeking partnerships with complementary vendors, system integrators, and trade associations to accelerate its regional expansion. Early successes, such as the pilot with Great Cosmo, exemplify how cross-border collaborations can pave the way for larger regional footprints.
A Vision for Regional Sustainability
Looking ahead, Co.Efficient Alpha sees itself as more than just a technology provider. It aims to drive broader awareness and adoption of sustainable practices across industries. Every installation is not just an operational upgrade but a step toward systemic change. The startup views sustainability as both its mission and its responsibility.
The GreenTech Accelerator program has played a pivotal role in this journey, offering exposure to networks and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. More than just a facilitator, the program lends credibility and momentum to startups like Co.Efficient Alpha, enabling them to advance their impact at scale.
In the fight against climate change, practical, scalable solutions like voltage optimisation may not always grab headlines, but their effects are undeniable. As businesses across ASEAN adopt such technologies, they not only cut costs but also contribute to a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. For Co.Efficient Alpha, that future is already in motion.