Grid reinforcement: how to bridge the waiting time
The large increase in electrical equipment means our collective power demand increases too. To ensure the grid can continue meeting this power demand we must carry out large scale grid reinforcement. That means users are provided with a heavier grid connection. Sometimes users will have to switch from a small user connection to a large user connection. This, however, comes with a long waiting time.
Why is grid reinforcement so important?
The grid is currently overcrowded. There is a limit to how much power the grid can process and when the power supply or demand exceeds the grid capacity, grid congestion occurs. Grid congestion means users cannot take extra power from the grid, but also that they cannot feed more power back into the grid, such as their excess solar energy. This problem can be solved by reinforcing the grid so that it can release and absorb more electricity.
However, grid congestion is currently such a big problem that the demand for grid reinforcement grows quickly, faster than the grid operators are able to carry out the grid reinforcement. This means that new solar parks are sometimes temporarily shut down before they can start generating power that they can feed back into the grid, or that businesses trying to expand their production can’t start with that yet. The waiting time for a heavier grid connection can reach up to over half a year, which can significantly delay your plans.
Energy solutions while waiting for grid reinforcement
When your project is forced to be put on hold because you are waiting for grid reinforcement you may lose income. It can be interesting to look for a different solution during this waiting period, to allow your project to continue. Bredenoord will gladly help you find the right solution.
Temporary power solutions for wind and solar parks
The energy transition requires us to use sustainable energy sources, such as wind energy and solar energy, whenever possible. To this end, more and more wind and solar parks are being set up, often in remote areas, since there is more land available there and this comes with a lower risk of nuisance for nearby residents. However, grid reinforcement tends to be most necessary in precisely those areas if the grid has to be able to process the increased supply of green electricity.
In that case energy storage in batteries can provide a temporary solution. Excess green power that the grid can’t absorb can be stored in batteries until the grid has sufficient capacity again. Bredenoord has used this method for several projects already, which includes the construction of Europe’s largest floating solar park. The electric tools and machinery used during this project were powered by the Battery Box. The Battery Box itself was recharged with the solar panels of the park itself whenever necessary. Using energy storage systems allowed the solar park to start generating energy sooner than expected.
Temporary power solutions while expanding the production capacity
Do you want to temporarily increase the production capacity of your business, but is this only possible after the grid has been reinforced at your location? Even then you can already get started by using a temporary power solution. A hybrid power solution consisting of a genset and a Battery Box works very well for this. When the grid is not sufficient to meet your increased power demand, the Battery Box can step in. The Battery Box can be recharged by the grid, but in this scenario the grid might not have sufficient capacity for this, which is where the genset steps in.
Working with a genset can be difficult in some situations, for example when strict emission restrictions apply. By combining a genset with the Battery Box the genset only has to turn on to recharge the battery. The optimal operating range of a genset lies around 80% of its capacity. When the genset serves as the main power supply, it rarely runs consistently within this operating range, but when it is used to charge the Battery Box, it can. This also means your fuel is used most efficiently. To further reduce the environmental impact you can choose to use GTL or HVO biodiesel instead of regular diesel. Additionally, the genset can be equipped with a Denox installation and a soot filter, or you can choose to rent a Stage V genset.
Bredenoord helps you find your solution
Do you want to prevent delays to your project due to the waiting time for grid reinforcement? Then Bredenoord will gladly help you find a temporary power solution to bridge the waiting time. Feel free to contact us to discuss the options for your project.