DWS Acquires Cleanwatts to Accelerate Portugal's Renewable Energy Communities
DWS, the investment division of Deutsche Bank, has bought Cleanwatts, a Portuguese platform for renewable energy communities. The €150 million deal aims to speed up the growth of shared clean energy projects across the country. Portugal is pushing to generate 80 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030, making it a key market for decentralised power solutions.
The acquisition shifts ownership from Nordic private equity firm Verdane. It also signals a broader shift in Europe toward localised energy systems that combine climate action with economic benefits.
Cleanwatts operates a digital platform that connects solar power generation, battery storage, and energy sharing. The system serves both commercial and residential users, focusing on large-scale clients like office buildings, logistics hubs, factories, and shopping centres. These 'anchor clients' form the backbone of the model, enabling wider community participation in renewable energy.
Portugal's strong solar resources and modernised grid infrastructure provide ideal conditions for such projects. The country's target of 80 percent renewable electricity by 2030 has driven demand for innovative solutions. Cleanwatts' approach aligns with this goal by making shared energy systems more accessible and efficient.
The €150 million commitment from DWS will fund further expansion over the next six years. Analysts note that the growth of renewable energy communities is reshaping investment in commercial real estate and infrastructure. Portugal's progress is now being watched as a potential blueprint for other European nations.
The deal highlights Portugal's role as a testing ground for decentralised energy models. With DWS's backing, Cleanwatts plans to scale up its platform, bringing more businesses and households into renewable energy networks. The investment also reinforces the link between climate targets and economic opportunities in Europe's energy transition.
