With the rise of electric cars, storage batteries, heat networks and energy production that is ever more local and green — but also more variable, as it depends on the weather — it is becoming essential to master the optimisation of your production and consumption. The intelligent grid, also known as the ‘smart grid’, and energy communities have an essential role to play in meeting this challenge, both locally, through smart control, and globally, by offering flexibility or grid-stability services (see also – Energy sharing, the electricity grid’s ally?)
Here are 5 elements that will make smart energy sharing possible:
1. Dynamic energy management
Smart grids incorporate advanced communication and control technologies that enable real-time management of energy production, distribution and consumption. This means that energy producers, such as power stations, solar panels and wind turbines, as well as energy consumers, such as households and businesses, can adjust their production and consumption to the grid’s current needs. This flexibility eases the pressure on the grid by avoiding demand peaks that can lead to congestion.
2. Integration of renewable energy
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are often intermittent and depend on the weather. Smart grids allow better integration of these energy sources by optimising their use when production is at its peak and by storing surplus energy for later use. This reduces the need to rely on traditional energy sources, such as coal- or gas-fired power stations, and helps to reduce saturation by minimising fluctuations in production.
3. Demand management
Thanks to digital tools, smart grids make it easier to set up demand-management programmes, allowing consumers to reduce their energy consumption during peak periods, usually through variable tariffs or financial incentives. This eases the pressure on the grid by limiting demand during peak hours.
4. Energy storage
Energy storage devices, such as batteries, are an integral part of smart grids. They can absorb surplus energy during periods of low demand and release it when demand is high. This helps smooth out load variations on the grid, thereby reducing saturation.
At present, most domestic energy storage consists of so-called electrochemical batteries, in other words batteries that store electricity directly. These batteries are almost always used in combination with solar panels. Other avenues for energy storage are currently being explored, such as thermal storage. The latter can complement domestic electric batteries by storing energy in the form of heat to warm buildings. This can help reduce electricity demand, smooth the load on the electricity grid and mitigate the risks associated with the supply of rare materials, making it a promising option for the future of domestic energy.
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5. Communication and automation
Smart grids use advanced communication systems to enable effective coordination between the various players on the grid. This includes real-time data collection, performance monitoring, fault detection and automatic repair. This automation increases grid stability and guarantees a more reliable distribution of energy.
Smart energy sharing relies on these various elements, which are only possible thanks to digital technology. It is these advanced communication and control technologies that allow energy use to be better optimised. They also help guarantee a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
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