One of the Major Challenges in the Energy Sector: Grid Congestion
One of the major challenges in the energy sector is grid congestion, which hinders sustainability ambitions, says Johan Dolstra from Perspectieffonds Gelderland (PFG). PFG, together with City Developer-S, owns Arnhems Buiten. The former Kema site has served as a breeding ground for innovative companies and talent since the 1930s and is now known as an 'energy hub.' Ronnie Groenewold, a concept developer specializing in energy, adds, "What we need in the world are smart homes that can independently turn devices on and off based on the availability of electricity."
Groenewold contributed to InterConnect, a smart energy platform developed on behalf of the European Union (EU). Groenewold managed the project for the Netherlands. Two essential features of the developed solution are that it ensures the privacy of connected households and is open to all energy networks and household appliance brands, a concept known as 'integral operability.'
Digital Communication
Groenewold reflects on the steps taken to develop InterConnect. "Turning on a device when the energy rate is favorable is not so difficult," he begins. "But having the electricity grid control each device is indeed challenging. Simply put, each device speaks a different language, and each electricity network is different. It's like the countries in Europe: each nationality speaks its own language, and English allows for communication."
An 'English-speaking translator' was needed to ensure seamless communication between the energy grid and household devices. "This language already exists, SAREF (Smart Applications REFerence), and is supported by the EU," Groenewold continues. "As a 'translator,' a narrow grid platform was designed that operates via IoT (Internet of Things)."
This allows major companies like ABB and Siemens to easily connect their devices to various services, with another fifty companies backing this groundbreaking project. Once connected, AI determines when to activate devices.
Blueprint for the Future
Standardized device connection through an open IoT platform is the new digital infrastructure needed to reduce congestion issues and keep demand within shared grid capacity. InterConnect has passed successful large-scale tests in seven European countries and is considered by the EU as the blueprint for the future of the energy grid.
Last summer, the EU awarded Arnhems Buiten the new Hedge IoT project. This project uses standardized platform technology to manage devices in multiple buildings on the site. Batteries charge when electricity demand is low and provide support when demand nears maximum capacity. The platform even automatically turns off solar panels if there is an excess of electricity. This system also operates based on AI.
European Innovation Hub
The designation of Arnhems Buiten by Europe as one of the six areas for the Hedge IoT project is proudly shared by Johan Dolstra. The site serves as both a testing ground and a breeding ground for future projects.
The future of electricity lies in the autonomous coordination between devices, cars, batteries, solar panels, etc. "We are proud that we are already working on this at Arnhems Buiten. We offer a glimpse of how buildings and companies can adapt to the available energy on the electricity network," says Dolstra. "It demonstrates how smart technology and digitalization pave the way for sustainable and efficient energy use in the future. This not only inspires parties in Arnhem or Gelderland but throughout Europe."
Interested in working with AI? Or are you already active in the field of AI and data-driven work in the energy sector and eager to contribute to new developments? Contact AI-hub Oost-Nederland: www.aihub-oost.nl.
