The rise of decentralised energy production has altered the traditional balance in energy generation. Small local producers have joined the large incumbent energy suppliers.
In 2022, photovoltaic production in Belgium reached 7,592 GWh, an increase of more than 250% in 10 years. (PV production in 2012: 2,154 GWh – Source : Énergie Commune). Photovoltaics today account for 8% of Belgium’s total electricity consumption, with 26% of total electricity consumption coming from renewables.
This increase in decentralised production, together with the ongoing electrification of energy uses (electric vehicles, heat pumps, etc.) is putting pressure on the power grid, which was not originally designed to absorb this new influx of renewable electricity and this new demand.
A saturated grid
Reinforcing the grid to ensure a fair transition and accommodate the energy produced is therefore imperative. However, this takes time and requires substantial investment.
Elia has, moreover, recently revised upwards its development plan for transforming the transmission grid. The aim is to optimise the infrastructure and to be able to integrate the additional volumes of renewable electricity.
Energy sharing as a solution?
To meet these challenges, one of the solutions lies in the deployment of communicating digital tools and energy-sharing mechanisms. In such a system, production sizing must be carefully considered and matched to consumption in order to avoid grid saturation and thus optimise energy production and consumption. The more optimised the system, the less grid reinforcement will be needed.
A study carried out by BRUGEL on the costs and benefits of energy sharing and energy communities underlines the importance of this approach. The cost-benefit equation of energy sharing is positive for the distribution system operator, which ultimately benefits consumers. However, it appears essential to reach an energy-sharing penetration rate of around 20% for the benefits to fully materialise.
As well as helping to reduce grid saturation, energy sharing has a positive impact on the bills of all customers. It also contributes to achieving national climate targets by promoting decarbonisation.
A greener energy future
The energy transition and the integration of photovoltaic energy into the power grid pose significant challenges. However, with sound investment and innovative solutions such as smart grids and energy sharing, we can overcome these challenges to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Would you like to know more about energy sharing and energy communities? Please do not hesitate to contact us !