As the world moves towards a greener future, the era of carbon dependence is nearing its end. Fossil fuels will inevitably give way to renewable energy sources, not only due to their depletion but also because of the unmanageable pollution levels they produce. A crucial component in this green transition is energy storage, and companies are racing to develop eco-friendly solutions. According to recent analyses from McKinsey, the global energy storage market is projected to exceed $150 billion by 2030.
In this evolving economic landscape, Gefarm, an Italian startup founded in 2021, is making significant strides. Initially incubated at Le Village by CA Triveneto in Padua, it was established by Alessandro Marcuzzi, a seasoned manager with extensive experience in commercial, marketing, and product research sectors. The startup is focused on creating innovative energy storage systems designed for both private and commercial sectors.
The company has reached a pivotal moment at the start of 2025. After securing over one million euros in funding in 2024 from the GIO2 Holding, led by President Giovanni Rocelli, Gefarm has begun producing its initial batches. Now, a new commercial opportunity has emerged with the establishment of Gefarm Investment LLC in Dubai, in partnership with ABWAB Holding LLC. This venture aims to bring Italian technology to the United Arab Emirates, particularly within large-scale green projects currently underway.
Gefarm’s business model emphasizes the development of new energy storage systems utilizing innovative sodium and nickel chloride battery technology, produced in collaboration with Swiss partner HORIEN. “In Dubai, we will provide battery energy storage systems (BESS), utilizing cutting-edge salt-based battery technologies for efficient and sustainable energy storage”, explain Marcuzzi and Rocelli. “We will also ensure energy management control (EMC) with advanced building automation solutions to optimize energy efficiency. Furthermore, we will implement electric vehicle charging systems—revolutionary solutions for EV infrastructure. This endeavor aligns with the UAE’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future, and we are excited to play a pivotal role in driving these advancements”.
The salt battery is gaining attention in the energy sector due to its resistance to temperature fluctuations, long lifespan, and environmentally friendly disposal. Unlike conventional batteries, salt batteries are non-toxic, recyclable, and pose no fire hazards. The salt used in these batteries is sourced through a classical extraction cycle involving the evaporation of seawater in ponds. By utilizing sodium/nickel chloride batteries, Gefarm emphasizes its commitment to environmentally respectful processes, boasting a lifespan of up to twenty years without maintenance and no degradation in efficiency over time—eliminating the common memory effect found in traditional batteries.