Own energy generation and energy storage becoming the norm

High-voltage battery solutions combat congested power grid

To combat climate change, the Netherlands wants to be net zero by 2050. This means zero CO2 emissions and replacing fossil fuels with sustainable sources. By 2030, 55 percent of this goal must already be achieved. Top HV Systems is in daily dialogue with companies considering investment in sustainability. Think, for example, of companies in the construction and infrastructure industry that are diligently looking for solutions to feed their low-emission or emission-free equipment. But also companies that want to build new buildings or expand their production capacity, but are unable to get a (heavier) connection due to the overcrowded energy grid. In this article, Senior Technical Engineer Jondal Simons and Commercial Technical Engineer David van Manen discuss the various challenges in the market and their possible solutions.

230 kWh energy storage system in the field.

Our future is all-electric

"Our energy supply will become decidedly all-electric," both gentlemen expect. "Among other things, governments are increasingly demanding that companies reduce their CO2 emissions. And shareholders, customers and society as a whole are also stepping up this pressure. Especially in the last five years, achieving net zero and the energy transition have been high on the agenda, with more and more companies switching from fossil fuels to electric power. A good development, but this will also result in more and more peak demand. Moreover, we are becoming even more dependent on the grid, which is becoming increasingly full and unreliable. We expect that the shore will turn the ship here and that own energy generation and energy storage will become the norm. Top HV Systems is already anticipating this with a comprehensive range of products and services for high-voltage battery systems, so that customers will soon have no surprises. With our battery systems, companies have a smart and effective buffer, which charges at times of reduced power demand and discharges at peak times. This overcomes overloading of the grid."

The time to act is now

A recent publication by the grid operator of the national high-voltage grid indicates that security of electricity supply will no longer be guaranteed after 2030. "This is disastrous for the operations of many companies and calls for appropriate measures," Van Manen emphasizes. "By investing in their own energy generation, companies are already sorting this out now and creating energy security. Moreover, they remain fully in control of where their energy goes." 

Fully in control

Van Manen is referring to a project of an energy supplier, a logistics service provider and a producer of solar installations in Overijssel. "The logistics provider wanted to electrify its business transportation and needed more fast chargers for the electric trucks," he says. "Since he was not allowed to increase the load on his electricity connection, a battery system was installed for this purpose. We opted for a system with solar panels, charging stations and a smart battery, which allows the energy provider to match energy generation, storage and use to market price levels. Our systems work in a similar way, but keep control with the entrepreneur."

Energy security as a business strategy

Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a surge in the market, Van Manen notes. "Suddenly, energy prices went through the roof. That opened everyone's eyes: our dependence on fossil sources from other countries makes us vulnerable. Analyses by PwC, for example, show that energy will only become more expensive in the coming years and may no longer always be available. The security of energy supply is under pressure and it is important to keep a grip on it." Companies can strengthen this grip by making their energy consumption more sustainable, Simons emphasizes. "In addition to energy-saving measures, the installation of their own energy system is recommended. There are also interesting subsidy incentives for this." In the coming years, energy security will be an increasingly important part of strategic policy, he expects. "Top HV Systems supports this."

A solution for every energy demand

Top HV Systems focuses on industrial, utility and residential projects with too small or no grid connections. But also to business and private building owners who want to store their own generated energy for their own use and/or trade with it. "With inverter capacities of up to 4 MW and a battery storage capacity of up to 8 MWh, we can meet any energy demand quickly and efficiently," Simons says. "In doing so, customers can rely not only on a fully assembled system, including lithium-ion batteries, inverters, solar charge controllers, cabling, energy meters and associated software, but also on comprehensive project support. All of our HV systems are fully compliant with the new PGS 37-1 directive for the safe storage of electricity in energy storage systems."

Comprehensive project support

Both Van Manen and Simons find that knowledge in the market about how to solve grid congestion problems is still sparse. "People have often heard the bell ring, but don't know exactly where the clapper hangs," Simons said. "Also when it comes to energy systems. We receive daily requests for energy storage systems that have not been adequately thought through. For example, battery and inverter power and controls need to be regularly fine-tuned, which we are very happy to provide. The power needed at peak times and the moment at which the battery system can be recharged are leading. Which processes does a company want to electrify? Are expansions of, for example, production lines, electric equipment and/or electric transport planned, which require scalability of the energy system? Or is flexibility desired for other reasons?" Top HV Systems also looks at the right location for the HV system, taking into account the requirements set forth in the PGS Directive, Van Manen says. "In addition, we provide the correct information for the environmental permit as well as permission from the fire department and safety region. This assures customers of an optimally functioning system that meets all requirements and guidelines. Regardless of whether they choose off-grid and hybrid systems (OHS), energy storage systems (ESS) or home batteries (HES), which can also be supplied Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ready if desired. This also makes it possible to share energy locally."

Energy management system is key

Regardless of which system one chooses, the energy management system (EMS) is essential to strategically align all energy flows, Simons says. "The EMS involves a combination of hardware and software and includes energy meters that measure real-time energy flows within the company. How much energy are the PV panels generating at any given time? But also: what are the current EPEX prices? Based on this, for example, charging can be done more cheaply. In addition, it can be automatically determined when to use self-generated energy and when use via the grid is financially more interesting. The ultimate goal here is that at the end of the day the electric equipment and electric transport are fully charged and the batteries are filled, while at the same time business operations and production could continue unhindered.