A tailored approach for data structuring

The growing need to differentiate in the dynamics of the energy market pushes energy service providers to become data driven organizations. As data-driven strategies take hold, in reality we see that big data, data lakes and data analytics not automatically deliver on their potential value. The common pitfall is starting with the data and simply ask what it can do for you. We share some insights and considerations that can help you find value in your (data analytical) investments.

One size does not fit all 

Have you ever tried to get into a suit that says “one size fits all”? Then you probably know that it never really fits. It is either too big and slumps down from your shoulders, or too narrow so you can hardly breathe. In both cases: probably best to wear something else. The same could be said for an operational data environment and an analytical one.

Combining both purposes in one environment enforces opposing needs and requirements into one system, resulting in excessive costs and/or concessions on functionality or prerequisites. The different characteristics ask for a tailored approach for each.

Read the full article here:

Would you like to know more about data structuring?

For more information, please contact Michiel Dorresteijn (Principal Consultant)
via +31 6 117 169 27 or mail michiel.dorresteijn@energy21.com 

Towards a sustainable energy ecosystem with the Layered Energy System

Our energy market model has been set up top-down and centralistic, from production (via transmission and distribution) to consumption. But our current model is no longer fit-for-purpose. For example the model is not suitable for end-users with solar panels that generate a surplus of energy and feed it back into the energy network (bottom-up). This leads to questions that urgently need to be answered. 

Local energy community
A very important question regarding a (new) sustainable energy ecosystem is: what should be the role of local energy communities in our energy system? Distributed generation and flexibility are part of the cause as well as the solution of the challenges the energy system faces. Demand-response by aggregators is currently not very attractive for the owners of flexibility (the end-user) nor is it a scalable solution in the long run. At the same time, local communities of end-users are founded and are experimenting with energy sharing, flexibility and with distributed network technologies (like blockchain). We believe that this system-averse social trend is an important factor in the energy transition.

Layered Energy System Concept
In close co-operation with the Dutch distribution grid operator Stedin, Energy21 developed the Layered Energy System (LES). In an earlier phase we explored the concept of local energy communities and local markets. Now, we have described more detailed the mechanics and roles of stakeholders in a Layered Energy System. We believe that the concept of LES provides a feasible elaboration of the “Citizens Energy Community” as mentioned in the EU Clean energy package.

LES offers insights and possible solutions to stakeholders’ issues moving towards a sustainable energy ecosystem. Energy21 is proud to present the LES Whitepaper and continues to discuss the topic with all stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.

Would you like to know more about the Layered Energy System?

For more information, please contact Michiel Dorresteijn (Projectlead Market Analysis & Blockchain Technology)
via +31 6 117 169 27 or mail michiel.dorresteijn@energy21.com

Traditionally, energy optimisation methods for industrial energy users have focused on thermodynamics of core processes. With the ever increasing possibilities of digital technologies and energy analytics, opportunities arise to subsequently optimise related processes such as consumption planning, procurement and asset dispatch. Combining internal with external optimisation creates synergies boosting business results. We call this System Optimisation.

Energy analytics: how to start

By adopting analytics in industrial energy operations, relevant data from multiple sources can be combined in the energy planning process. A key aspect while combining sources is to create uniformity in data received. This can e.g. include aggregating time series to fixed intervals, converting data into different units and aggregating measurements to the desired portfolio level.

When data has been uniformed, a data structure can be created to greatly ease the analysis process. Typically these data structures are constructed by creating different sectional views of your site. Once the uniformed data structures are in place, System Optimisation can be applied.

Using energy analytics to achieve system optimisation

Assuming the efficiency of your energy generating assets has long been optimised, it is time to look at how much energy is generated and at which costs. Starting point will generally be to have enough energy available for your primary production process at all times. Accurate energy demand planning is therefore essential to avoid excess generation.

Another route is to increase production during times overgeneration cannot be avoided. This can be the case when contracts (e.g. for ancillary services) prevent your energy assets from ramping down, or if steam production from waste streams exceed current demand. Preventing this requires an easy-to-access overview of contractual obligations, both on the production side as well as on the energy generation side.

While temporarily reducing production because of high energy prices is generally not considered feasible, increasing production during times of low energy prices is often a possibility. This requires at least an up-to-date overview of day-ahead and intraday prices, but might also require a real time imbalance price forecast. By combining the latter with a real time view on portfolio imbalance, opportunities on the imbalance markets can be seized.

Many other internal and external conditions can be taken into account, e.g. grid capacity contracts and emission reduction obligations.

We can help you to achieve system optimisation using energy analytics!

Contact Thomas Crabtree via thomas.crabtree@energy21.com or +31 6 3085 2747 to discuss your goals and challenges. Also, read more about how we can deliver, manage and optimise your energy processes using our software solution EBASE. Or take a deeper dive into other energy optimisation strategies for industrial energy users:

EBASE Solution
Strategies

RFI Development and integration ‘Market Service app’ for local energy markets

Stedin and Energy21 designed the Layered Energy System (LES) based on the USEF framework. LES is a community-based market model that offers solutions to a variety of existing and future problems resulting from the energy transition. The next step in development of the Layered Energy System is doing a proof of concept in a real life local market setting. The project is looking for technology partners. 

Proof of concept in real life local market setting

Together with technology partners ABB and Enervalis, Stedin has found a location (Hoogdalem) in its grid area where a group of households are willing to participate in the first pilot project. Advanced technology, such as Heat pumps, Batteries, PV, internet-connected appliances (e.g. Laundry machines), is present in these houses enabling a full test of all functions of the Layered Energy System.

The project is looking for a partner who is capable of developing, and integrating the necessary ‘Market Service app’ on the Energy Web Foundation Blockchain. The market-service app has 3 goals:

 It matches local demand and supply of energy (through bids) in a market program (load profile)
 It brings together national and local need of flexibility (through flex offers and orders)
 It is able to process the effect of ordered flex into the market program (load profile)

The application will be a proof of concept and must be compatible with the blockchain of the Energy Web Foundation Tobalaba test network.

Interested to become a technology partner?

For more information, check Stedin’s RFI documents or contact Michiel Dorresteijn in case of any questions. Check our dedicated expertise page The energy system – Market model design to read more about the Layered Energy System.

Our new BRP Market Access solution that matches with the innovative character of your energy business

We see new parties entering the Power Balancing market that wish to integrate BRP functionalities and data directly into their applications. Based on the size and character of their portfolio, they do not require a standard, full stack solution to handle their BRP obligations.

BRP Market Access / API-based Web Services

At Energy21, we aim to match our data management solutions with the innovative character of our clients’ energy businesses. We are proud to have recently welcomed our first customer that is accessing their BRP data and energy data management functionalities via our API-based web services.

These services cover all required market processes such as nominations, register management, allocation, settlement and reconciliation. For example, in the Netherlands these services include direct market communication with EDSN, grid operators and TenneT.

Benefits of using the Energy21 API-based web services

Market access

 Guaranteed correct fulfillment of your BRP market obligations
 Use 1 standard web technology (JSON Web API’s) that is compliant with sector releases
 Technical certification included

Software architecture

 No system upgrades or updates required
 Integrate web services with your autonomously designed applications
 Combine various 3^rd party web services

Costs

 Link costs to the size of your business
 Existing library can be used with no upfront investments
 Pay-as-you-grow

Extras

 Benefit from extras such as APX forecasts, allocation completeness check, etc.

Interested to hear more? 

Contact Michiel Kuiper via +31 6 2602 8130

The next step might prove to be the bigger challenge

Energy21’s Michiel Dorresteijn was asked to respond to the Initiate! Manifesto. Read below his findings and how he elaborates on what could be added to it:

The means to produce energy by yourself and to participate in an energy market are becoming available for anyone. Information and data can be obtained and analyzed with easy-to-use apps and increasingly (artificial) intelligent algorithms. At the same time, costs of solar panels, fuel cells and storage systems are plummeting, while the technical performance is being improved. In other words: Energy is democratized.

The Manifesto of Initiate! describes that process spot on.The world of energy is changing rapidly and this new order requires a new economy with new roles and responsibilities. That being said, the next step might prove to be the bigger challenge.

The Manifesto describes the need for something new, but has not yet reached the point of offering an approach on how to solve that. And the initiative is far too valuable and needed (!) if it would restrict itself to formulating the problem.

Customer empowerment needs a market design that enables it

If I would leave it with that I would be doing the same: describing a need without offering a way of how to deal with it. In that regard, it may be worthwhile to mention the attempt Energy21 has made on this issue last year together with the Dutch grid operator Stedin. Starting off with the basic assumption that there is a need for a new energy system that can accommodate the democratization of energy production and information, we explored a possible market design that could meet four main prerequisites: the system has to:

 lower overall system costs
 empower customers
 stimulate renewable energy
 be scalable

Accommodating both the existing and the new energy economy

Especially the fourth prerequisite is very important. Scalable means that a system can start on a small scale, but can grow without needing a complete ‘bing bang’ replacement of the existing system. A revolution will only lead to resistance and struggle with vested interests. With the Layered Energy System, we have designed and described a system that can accommodate both the existing and the new energy economy.

In my opinion, the strength of Initiate!’s message will be defined by the remedy for the sore spot that is offered, not only by putting the finger on it. Otherwise, very true observations may become hollow statements. Based on what can be read in the Manifesto so far, I am eagerly and expectantly looking forward to what this initiative will bring.

Interested to hear more?

Check our dedicated expertise page on energy system and market model design or contact Michiel Dorresteijn.