Challenges and opportunities of the energy transformation
The climate crisis presents us with major challenges. The credo is less CO2 emissions and more renewable energies. We have already frequently reported on decarbonization measures in relation to CO2 guidelines. Today, however, we are focusing on the effects of the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid and the associated challenges and opportunities for your company.
The importance of load management
The transformation of the energy system is in full swing and the scientific community agrees that the integration of renewable energy is the key factor for the success of the transformation. Studies show that the share of electricity in the total final energy consumed in Germany is expected to double or even triple by 2045. However, this integration requires the electricity grid to become more flexible, which poses challenges for grid operators. Generation peaks must be distributed via the electricity grid and absorbed on the consumption side. One incentive for this is the demand charge.
Composition of the electricity bill
Companies with significant electricity consumption (more than 100,000 kWh/year) are charged a demand charge by the electricity provider in addition to the energy price. This demand charge is incurred for the highest peak load of the year and has risen steadily in recent years. Take a look at your own electricity bill for keywords such as peak load, grid charge and demand charge to check these costs.
What are peak loads?
The remunerated maximum output is referred to as the "peak load" and is defined by the largest average electricity consumption within a 15-minute interval in the billing year. A single high peak load per year is sufficient to pay a substantial performance price.
Peak load types and application examples
Peak loads are caused by a temporary increase in electricity consumption, typically due to the accumulation of larger consumers or the start of production lines. The operation of charging points can also result in higher load peaks.
Measures to reduce peak loads
To reduce peak loads, we at ENIT have developed a 4-step plan:
- Look at your electricity bill: analyze your load peaks and the resulting costs.
- Acquire an energy monitoring system: Identify the causes of peak loads.
- Organizational measures: Develop measures to reduce peak loads in a workshop.
- Automated load management: Implement a system that selectively regulates flexible consumers and reduces peak loads.
