About Me
My name is Steen Kramer Jensen - I'm an engineer - and in 2016, I founded a startup (Peoples Portable Power) dedicated to developing IoT solutions for battery monitoring, "Pay-As-You-Go" and off-grid energy systems. Our focus was to create affordable, scalable solutions to improve energy access in remote areas, primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. Over six years, I led projects that provided sustainable power to communities and businesses, navigating the complex landscape of energy infrastructure in emerging markets.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately led to the closure of the company in 2022 (You can read the complete story here), the experience gave me invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and energy. Today, I leverage that experience to help startups turn their ideas into real-world solutions, providing expertise in IoT development, battery systems, and off-grid installations.
Happy reading :-)
Steen Kramer Jensen
Bringing Ideas to Life with Practical IoT and Energy Experience
I offer part-time consulting services to startups working in IoT, battery monitoring and off-grid solar energy.
With hands-on experience developing and deploying systems in challenging environments, I provide guidance across the entire product lifecycle – from prototyping and testing to deployment and scaling.
Whether you’re refining an IoT device, designing a battery management system, or planning an off-grid energy project, I can help bridge the gap between concept and execution. My goal is to help startups overcome technical hurdles, avoid common pitfalls, and build resilient, impactful solutions.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Developing MVP prototypes with support from the Danish InnoBooster Scheme and validating them with end-users in Kenya and Tanzania.
- Establishing partnerships with global and local organizations such as Access2Innovation, GOGLA, and various micro-grid operators.
- Successfully integrating IoT technology for remote monitoring, payment integration, and usage analytics to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Through hands-on experience, I gained insights that I now leverage to help other businesses succeed:
- Strategic Planning for Emerging Market Projects
- Tailoring solutions based on customer feedback and socio-economic conditions.
- Managing prototyping, production, logistics, and partnerships for cost-effective scaling.
- Implementing pay-as-you-go and monitoring systems and integrating renewable solutions into communities.
Services that I offer
- Field-Tested Solutions: Hands-on experience in bringing renewable energy to rural communities.
- Global Network: Connections with utilities, NGOs, and startups in Europe and Africa.
- Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: Combining technical know-how with strategic business insights.
- Strategic Advisory: Develop market-entry strategies, business models, and funding plans.
- Product Development: Design and deploy renewable energy and IoT-based solutions, from MVP to scaled production.
- Technology Integration: Implement IoT systems for remote monitoring, data analytics, and smart payments.
- Partnership Development: Build networks with stakeholders in Denmark and Africa to drive impactful projects.
- Operational Optimization: Streamline logistics, customer engagement, and value chain management.
Full Value Chain Development
Beyond technical development, I bring extensive experience in the business aspects of launching and scaling products in the energy sector. From sourcing reliable suppliers to navigating complex certification processes, I help startups build strong foundations for growth and market entry.
Key Business Competencies:
- Supplier Sourcing and Partnerships – Identifying and collaborating with manufacturers and component suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effective production.
- Certification and Compliance – Guiding products through certification processes to meet international and local regulatory standards, ensuring safety and reliability.
- Industry Networks – Leveraging connections in the energy sector to facilitate partnerships and drive project success.
Market Entry and Expansion:
- Extensive Experience working in African markets, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, where I have developed energy solutions for off-grid and rural communities.
- Deep Understanding of logistical, economic, and regulatory challenges specific to the African energy sector.
Tools and Technologies I work with
Over the years, I’ve built a diverse skill set that spans both hardware and software development. From designing electronic circuits to developing full-stack web platforms, I work with a range of tools and technologies to bring IoT and energy solutions to life.
Electronics and Embedded Systems:
- KiCad – PCB design and schematic capture for custom electronics.
- Arduino IDE – Rapid prototyping and firmware development in C/C++ for embedded systems.
- Microcontrollers – Expertise with ESP32 and AVR128 for IoT and energy management solutions.
- Communication Modules – Integration of WiFi, GSM, NB-IoT, and GPS modules for remote monitoring and control.
Software Development (Frontend & Backend):
- PHP, AJAX, JavaScript – Building dynamic, responsive web applications and interfaces.
- Laravel – Developing scalable and secure backend systems.
- MySQL – Database design and management for data-driven applications.
- Python – Data analysis, AI preparation and visualization
Prototyping and IoT Development:
- Design and Development of IoT devices with real-time data acquisition and cloud integration.
- Battery Monitoring and energy management systems tailored for off-grid environments.
Portfolio
Below is a real-time data visualizations showcasing how IoT and data-sharing solutions can be integrated into a web application (here power usage from a household):
Summary of my career
With over 30 years of experience in the Danish energy sector, I have contributed to pioneering projects that intersect IoT, energy systems, and digitalization. My career spans leadership roles at major energy organizations, consulting firms, and innovative startups, with a focus on advancing smart grid technologies, renewable energy solutions, and rural electrification projects in Africa.
Key Highlights of My Career
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Strategic Leadership in Energy and Digitalization:
As a Specialist at Centerdenmark and the Danish District Heating Association, I focussed on promoting digitalization in district heating to drive sector maturity and accelerate the green transition.
Led efforts to operationalize digital strategies, developing electrification roadmaps and integrating data-driven tools for utility companies.
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IoT and Rural Electrification in Africa:
As the CEO and founder of Peoples Portable Power, I spearheaded the development of portable power solutions for rural areas in Africa.
Secured funding from Innovation Fund Denmark and scaled the business to distribute over0 500 battery units in partnership with local NGO's and the Nordic Development Fund.
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Research and Development Leadership:
At Insero Energy I managed large-scale R&D projects, including heat pump leasing models, Pay-As-You-Go energy systems, and smart grid initiatives across Denmark and Europe.
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Utility and Transmission System Expertise:
At the Dansih TSO Energinet.dk, I contributed to the national energy strategy for integrating wind power, heat pumps, and electric vehicles into the grid, shaping Denmark’s energy future.
Played a pivotal role at DONG Energy (now Ørsted), overseeing power station operations, forecasting, and optimizing energy production.
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IT Security and Digital Infrastructure:
Certified in IT Security through Google’s training programs, enhancing my ability to secure IoT platforms, cloud environments, and data infrastructure critical to the energy sector.
Areas of Expertise
Smart Grids and IoT Solutions | Battery Storage and Off-Grid Solar Systems | AI and Data-Driven Utility Operations | Renewable Energy and District Heating | IT Security and Cyber Resilience | International Partnerships (Europe, China, Africa)
Technical Documents and Manuals
Explore some of the manuals and reports I have been involved in to learn more about products, operations, and customer feedback from previus projects. Download the documents below for detailed information.
Schematic of an IoT solution
Detailed schematic of the monitoring and control IoT system for a portable battery solution.
Download PDFAnalysis of Usage from Our IT-System
Detailed analysis of battery usage, payment tracking, and energy savings through an IT-administration system.
Download PDFFindings from Distribution Through an NGO
Report on our distribution partnership with a NGO in Kenya, outlining challenges and feedback from users.
Download PDFEnd Evaluation Report
Evaluation of sales and payment models, reflecting on lessons learned and best practices for future emerging market entry.
Download PDFUser Manual for Agents
A comprehensive guide for sales agents, covering commission structures, battery top-ups, and customer service procedures.
Download PDFCharging and Inspection Manual
Detailed instructions for safely charging and inspecting batteries to ensure long-term functionality and safety.
Download PDFSurvey Among Clients and Technical Issues
A technical report and customer survey to assess product performance and recommend improvements.
Download PDFLessons Learned over 5 Years
A reflective report on the successes, failures, and growth of Peoples Portable Power in rural electrification projects in Kenya and Tanzania.
Download PDFContact
Whether you're a startup in Europe or Africa seeking to enter the renewable energy sector or a company looking to innovate in IoT-enabled solutions, I can help you transform your vision into reality.
Contact me today to explore how we can work together to drive sustainable impact.
Phone: +45 20424061
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steenkramerjensen