How GESCO has become one of the fastest growing companies in Europe
Founded in 2006, GESCO is an energy-saving company that provides solutions for improving efficiency, mainly in the industrial sector. Operations Director, Gabriele Palandri explains: “GESCO began with the aim of supporting its customers in achieving higher performances both in terms of energy saving and plant efficiency. Starting as a consulting company, GESCO soon expanded its expertise and developed unique turnkey solutions for energy-intensive customers in Italy.”
Gabriele goes on to outline the company’s range of services: “GESCO provides a full suite of energy-saving services. We research, develop, and implement high-efficiency solutions, such as photovoltaic or cogeneration plants. Every single solution is 100 percent tailor-made and considers the customer’s needs during each step of the process: from the early stage of the energy diagnosis through to the plant engineering, construction, and commissioning phases, up to and including lifetime full-maintenance support.
“We operate across various sectors within the energy-intensive market. Our solutions meet customer needs in industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, packaging, plastics, and agri-food. GESCO is fully operational in Italy and is eager to expand its expertise internationally.
“As of today, the company has installed over 50 photovoltaic plants and more than 30 cogeneration plants in Italy: 59 plants are owned and managed by GESCO as an ESCO (energy service company) provider. Our installed fleet reflects a history of customer satisfaction and loyalty. We have recently completed the second and third cogeneration plants for Sperlari, a major player in Europe’s candy and confectionery market. Additionally, we are constructing the third cogeneration plant and the fifth photovoltaic plant for DAYCO Europe, a US automotive components company with multiple production facilities in Italy.”
Maximizing efficiency
The business recently received recognition from the Financial Times, which placed it on its list of fastest-growing companies in Europe. Gabriele reflects on the factors that have been crucial to such rapid growth and success: “GESCO’s success is driven by three key factors: customized solutions, a full-service philosophy, and a single point of responsibility. In a business landscape where standardization can overlook energy-saving potential, GESCO strives to help customers identify all possible solutions to maximize efficiency. By providing services that help customers optimize their energy usage, we have helped clients save over 700,000 tons of oil equivalent (TOE) and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 79,000 tons per year.”
Utilizing every available avenue to help clients’ operations become more efficient and sustainable requires an innovative approach that embraces technological advances. Gabriele explains the strategy: “GESCO is committed to continuously improving its offering. We began with energy audits and white certificates in our early years and entered the cogeneration sector in 2015. We have also been developing photovoltaic solutions since 2019. Today, GESCO approaches energy efficiency with an open mind towards any innovation that can accelerate the transition toward greater energy efficiency.”
By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering strategic partnerships, GESCO aims to enhance its capabilities further. This approach not only drives innovation but also ensures that the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“For example,” Gabriele continues, “we have recently initiated internal research and development activities aimed at expanding our technologies and services in the energy sector, with a particular focus on decarbonization. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a reliable reference point in the industrial energy efficiency sector, providing comprehensive, 360-degree support to our customers. By investing in research and development, we are enhancing our ability to meet the evolving needs of the market.”
Challenges & opportunities
Gabriele then reflects on some of the challenges that working in the industry presents: “The energy efficiency sector is complex and often populated by unqualified operators, making it challenging for end customers to find solutions that truly meet their needs. This situation can hinder companies’ ability to compare offers and make informed decisions, potentially slowing down market growth.
“To address these challenges, regulations could ensure that only qualified, certified professionals operate in the energy efficiency space. Furthermore, promoting more standardized energy efficiency solutions that meet specific benchmarks would provide customers with clearer and more reliable options. Lastly, transparency is crucial; we anticipate greater market regulation to guarantee businesses receive honest assessments and understand the true costs and savings of energy solutions, fostering trust and enabling more informed decision-making.”
Looking to the year ahead, Gabriele concludes by outlining the company’s vision going forward: “2025 is shaping up to be a year filled with new challenges and opportunities. According to our industrial plan, we have budgeted €30 million in investments to finance new projects through Energy Performance Contracts (EPC). In the next five years, we aim for GESCO to operate on a European scale, with business units extending beyond national borders. These are the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us.”
With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, GESCO is poised to make significant strides in the energy sector. The company is deeply committed to sustainability and aims to lead the way in providing effective energy solutions. As it navigates future opportunities, GESCO remains dedicated to enhancing its offerings and expanding its impact across Europe and beyond.