In honour of Leo Visser’s retirement, S4 Energy recently held an interesting seminar on the future of the national grid and the need for energy storage in a future proof grid.
Throughout this seminar, three distinct organisations presented their unique perspective on future developments in the electricity market
The first presentation, given by Koen Broess, the Regional Segment Leader Energy Storage at DNV, highlighted the need for flexibility in power grids. Broess started his presentation by sharing some historical pictures, from 2014, showcasing the early stages of S4 Energy’s flywheel development.
Broess shed light on the differing interpretations of EU directives regarding the positioning of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) and grid fees, revealing substantial disparities between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, where grid fees for BESS vary significantly. In addition to this, Broess references a recent 2022 study done by MIT which supports how renewable energy paired with energy storage can achieve clean and stable energy grids.
Following this presentation there were some engaging discussions with the audience on system limits and the duck curve, where there is a steep net power demand on sunny days immediately after the solar energy production finishes.
Our second presentation was given by Emma Gerritse, an advisor on future energy systems at Stedin (DSO). Gerritse discussed the importance of energy storage in the local grid, where the DSO’s see a tension between the interests of the TSO (Transmission System Operator) and the DSO (Distribution System Operator), between local congestion and national balance in the transmission network. She also emphasised that from a DSO point of view, the exact location and position of an energy storage system is very important.
DSO’s are not allowed to invest in storage, but according to Emma Gerritse it would be foolish if they did, considering the fact that they would only utilise it for a very limited period in time. Moreover, the market has proven that it is very capable of installing and operating energy storage systems.
Gerritse showed some results from a study of how a local congestion problem could be solved by installing a rather small storage system, where the location made a huge difference. A network-optimal location can solve local congestion up to 95%, whereas a market-optimal location only contributes to a 5% less congested local situation.
Emma Gerritse explained how a diverse range of flexibilities is required for balance across various timeframes. Encompassing mechanisms such as power plants, import/export capabilities, demand response (DSR), battery storage, power-to-X technologies, and curtailing renewable production. These flexibilities interact in intricate ways, where for example Power-to-X processes draw energy from battery storage and imports, while power plants generate electricity for export purposes, and batteries recharge using imported energy.
Our final speaker of the day was Fredrik Troost, Senior Structurer with Eneco Energy Trade. Eneco is trading the two current S4 Energy storage systems in Almelo and Heerhugowaard. Troost presented a clear view on the development of the different system services and electricity markets, and why these markets will remain exposed to volatility.
These three perspectives not only emphasised the urgency of embracing energy storage solutions but also highlighted the collaborative effort needed to forge a resilient and future-proof grid system. As S4 Energy continues to innovate and collaborate, the momentum towards a sustainable and efficient energy future accelerates.
In honour of Leo Visser’s retirement, S4 Energy recently held an interesting seminar on the future of the national grid and the need for energy storage in a future proof grid.
Throughout this seminar, three distinct organisations presented their unique perspective on future developments in the electricity market
The first presentation, given by Koen Broess, the Regional Segment Leader Energy Storage at DNV, highlighted the need for flexibility in power grids. Broess started his presentation by sharing some historical pictures, from 2014, showcasing the early stages of S4 Energy’s flywheel development.
Broess shed light on the differing interpretations of EU directives regarding the positioning of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) and grid fees, revealing substantial disparities between the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, where grid fees for BESS vary significantly. In addition to this, Broess references a recent 2022 study done by MIT which supports how renewable energy paired with energy storage can achieve clean and stable energy grids.
Following this presentation there were some engaging discussions with the audience on system limits and the duck curve, where there is a steep net power demand on sunny days immediately after the solar energy production finishes.
Our second presentation was given by Emma Gerritse, an advisor on future energy systems at Stedin (DSO). Gerritse discussed the importance of energy storage in the local grid, where the DSO’s see a tension between the interests of the TSO (Transmission System Operator) and the DSO (Distribution System Operator), between local congestion and national balance in the transmission network. She also emphasised that from a DSO point of view, the exact location and position of an energy storage system is very important.
DSO’s are not allowed to invest in storage, but according to Emma Gerritse it would be foolish if they did, considering the fact that they would only utilise it for a very limited period in time. Moreover, the market has proven that it is very capable of installing and operating energy storage systems.
Gerritse showed some results from a study of how a local congestion problem could be solved by installing a rather small storage system, where the location made a huge difference. A network-optimal location can solve local congestion up to 95%, whereas a market-optimal location only contributes to a 5% less congested local situation.
Emma Gerritse explained how a diverse range of flexibilities is required for balance across various timeframes. Encompassing mechanisms such as power plants, import/export capabilities, demand response (DSR), battery storage, power-to-X technologies, and curtailing renewable production. These flexibilities interact in intricate ways, where for example Power-to-X processes draw energy from battery storage and imports, while power plants generate electricity for export purposes, and batteries recharge using imported energy.
Our final speaker of the day was Fredrik Troost, Senior Structurer with Eneco Energy Trade. Eneco is trading the two current S4 Energy storage systems in Almelo and Heerhugowaard. Troost presented a clear view on the development of the different system services and electricity markets, and why these markets will remain exposed to volatility.
These three perspectives not only emphasised the urgency of embracing energy storage solutions but also highlighted the collaborative effort needed to forge a resilient and future-proof grid system. As S4 Energy continues to innovate and collaborate, the momentum towards a sustainable and efficient energy future accelerates.
