Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
At Elektro Internationaal B.V.’s new facility in Woerden, the Microgrid Live Lab serves as the beating heart of the building. This real-world environment demonstrates what the energy supply of the future might look like in the built environment. It is not a theoretical model, but a functioning energy system in which innovative technologies operate daily, are tested, and are continuously optimized.
The official opening of the Live Lab took place during the customer event ‘From Grid Congestion to Energy Efficiency’ on April 15 and 16. The microgrid engineers from Elektro Internationaal B.V., together with technology partner Schneider Electric, engaged in discussions with approximately 160 industry professionals, including installers and consulting and engineering firms. The focus was on the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing energy landscape.
The Live Lab was inspired by a specific problem: as early as the application for the grid connection for the new building, it became clear that there was insufficient capacity available. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, it became the starting point for an innovative approach. Elektro Internationaal B.V., in collaboration with Schneider Electric, developed an integrated energy solution aimed at achieving maximum independence from the power grid.
The building integrates various technologies, including an AC and DC microgrid, battery storage for peak load management, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, low-voltage distribution, and smart building and energy management systems. By taking an integrated approach to these systems, an energy supply is created that continuously balances generation, storage, and consumption and actively works to prevent peak loads.
What makes the Live Lab unique is that visitors can directly experience the difference between the various energy architectures of two nearly identical microgrids—one based on AC and one based on DC—comprising charging solutions, solar energy, and battery storage, among other components. It is precisely by comparing these systems side by side that it becomes clear how design choices influence efficiency, flexibility, the degree of grid independence, and return on investment. During technical sessions and demonstrations, it becomes clear how these systems perform in practice and what role they can play in solving energy challenges such as grid congestion.
The Live Lab was specifically designed as a place for sharing, learning, and inspiring. Interested parties can visit the lab to see the systems in action and gain insight into the possibilities of energy-efficient solutions.
At a time when energy systems are evolving toward local, smart, and interconnected networks, the Live Lab demonstrates what is already possible today—and where there is still room for improvement. In doing so, it contributes not only to the energy efficiency of the building itself, but also to the broader development of the energy transition in the built environment.
