EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
In the words of our judges
“Nathan’s bold vision shaped VoltaGrid into a trailblazer in clean, intelligent energy that delivers advanced mobile power solutions, lowers emissions and strengthens communities through reliable and sustainable technology.”
Nathan Ough’s childhood entrepreneurial ambitions involved a moped, a paper route and buying a machine to clean the pool for him. These formative experiences of identifying efficiencies set the stage for his most ambitious leap yet. In 2020, he raised $100 million in capital in 100 days to launch VoltaGrid.
Based in Houston, VoltaGrid is an energy management and generation company that operates the largest natural gas trucking business in North America. It provides fuel; portable power generation to address temporary or remote energy needs; and stationary, grid-parallel systems to supply consistent, reliable power to data centers and large-scale facilities. Since its founding, VoltaGrid’s revenue has increased more than sixfold. Ough aims to make VoltaGrid the power behind 50% of US data centers that use on-site generation.
VoltaGrid’s role is evolving well beyond logistics to create a cleaner, more sustainable future. By using its vast trucking network, VoltaGrid supplies cleaner-burning natural gas, helping clients lower their carbon footprint and shift to sustainable energy. Its energy storage systems boost generator efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions by 28% compared with dual-fuel generators and 40% compared with large combustion turbines.
Ough has transformed his entrepreneurial instincts into an enterprise that prioritizes both innovation and social responsibility. The company invests in technology and infrastructure to support future demands, positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape. And as part of its commitment to wellbeing, VoltaGrid allows each employee to allocate a charitable stipend to their chosen nonprofit or cause. At the core, Ough believes honest and ethical practices are key to long-lasting relationships.
Ough’s entrepreneurial journey opened up opportunities with strategic investments. By creating clean power solutions for major corporations and government entities, Ough demonstrates a relentless pursuit of innovation.