Albert Fischer was brought in by Netherlands-based power company Nuon to set up its corporate venturing unit, Yellow & Blue, in 2008.

Fischer, managing director of Yellow & Blue, said: “On the basis of Aim-listed Plant Health Care, where I was non-executive chairman [for nine years to 2010], Nuon invited me to start Yellow & Blue in 2008.”

Fischer previously worked as managing partner of venture capital firm Planet Capital between 2004 and 2008 and as managing director of venture firm Pymwymic (Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Community) from 1997 to 2002. Before this he was head of development from 1988 to 1997 at Anglo-Dutch publisher Reed Elsevier. Fischer was a physicist by training.

What is the future of your sector?

Fischer said: “The energy sector is going to experience extreme situations, which will serve as a fertile ground for new investments in innovative ventures and increased merger and acquisition activity.”

Fischer added: “The most important trends are the following. Firstly, the cost-curve of renewable electricity is pushed down further below the price of fossil fuels. Secondly, new business models for deploying renewables are being adopted, such as the ‘no-money-down’ solar power installation for home owners. At the same time, utilities are faced with decreasing margins, overcapacity and lack of investment capital for new generation capacity. Conversely, divestments from traditional generation assets are taking place by utilities, but also financial investors who start to recognise that the climate crisis is creating a systemic change in the energy industry.”