FEATURE ENERGY MANAGEMENT MAKING RENEWABLE ENERGY MORE RELIABLE
storage solutions drops, corporate buyers can maximise their energy investments, while contributing to the clean energy transition. Additionally, with microgrid opportunities on the rise, energy storage may become commonplace for companies.
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE: FUEL CELLS Fuel cells electrochemically combine a fuel (ranging from pure hydrogen to natural gas or biogas) with oxygen and convert the resulting chemical energy into electricity without any form of combustion. Because they require a constant, steady source of fuel to produce electricity, fuel cells are able to provide a continuous, baseload source of clean electric power. This provides facilities with a need for a reliable minimum supply of energy to incorporate renewables into their energy mix without compromising the safety and stability of their baseload. As a baseload resource, fuel cell
David Hall, Vice President Power Systems, UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric, discusses the future of energy management and the technologies that help support the increased use of renewables
I
n the face of increasing competition businesses want and need to become
more efficient. However, the key to making the most of low-carbon energy generation requires businesses to embrace new technologies that fit with modern needs. Renewables will be at the heart of
forward-thinking businesses, but each of these new technologies poses challenges and opportunities. Pioneers in the space are providing us with an insight into how the technologies can be implemented for maximum good, both for business and the environment. This is making renewables even more appealing to energy buyers in the corporate and industry spaces. Once considered an ‘alternative’ power source, now more than 150 global companies have signed on to the RE100, committing to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Google, Facebook, and Nestle are among
the first corporations to venture into international renewable energy markets. Global brands are now ready and capable of addressing their global environmental impact. What’s more, the inter- organisational network of schemes and methods to obtain renewable energy for business is growing too. Once almost unheard of, Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are increasingly available to meet the growing demand for green power of compliance and voluntary markets.
36 MAY 2019 | PROCESS & CONTROL
However, making the most of new opportunities requires digital transformation and a rethink of the energy grid, from generation to distribution and the management of excess power.
THE POWER OF MICROGRIDS Market forces are departing from highly centralised power systems and returning to smaller scale, localised systems that optimise power demand, consumption, and management. Microgrids are emerging as one of these decentralising technologies that companies are considering because they bring together a combination of clean technologies to help organisations operate autonomously from the traditional electrical grid. The likes of commercial, industrial and
institutional energy buyers can now realise substantial near-term cost savings by implementing technologies embedded within a microgrid that insulate their facilities from the risk and changing cost components of an ever- evolving energy market. Batteries play a key role in enabling
companies to embrace clean, low-cost, renewable energy at a higher level. By mitigating the intermittency issues that renewable power sources can face, storage helps remove a barrier that has prevented greater adoption of wind and solar resources. As the price for batteries and other
Microgrids are emerging as one of these decentralising technologies that companies are
considering because they bring together a combination of clean technologies to help organisations operate autonomously from the traditional electrical grid (top)
technology helps bridge the gap where other renewable energy sources face challenges. Partnered with other renewable technologies, fuel cells can balance the difference between demand and generation of intermittent resources.
BLOCKCHAIN: PROVIDING EASE Blockchain technology uses sophisticated algorithms to validate, encrypt, and instantaneously record transactions for virtually anything of value in a secure and decentralised manner. Energy is one area of interest for blockchain applications, particularly when it comes to certifying the energy sources you are using. Currently, the only means to track
David Hall, VP Power Systems, UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric
renewable energy generation is through EACs, and information sharing among market participants is a manual process. This is creating an obstacle to adoption, as moving to renewables is being seen as a cost centre for businesses. But with blockchain, EACs can be created instantaneously as renewable energy is put onto the grid — no matter the size or physical location of the producer. With the increased autonomy that blockchain introduces, corporate energy buyers may find it easier to achieve these goals. By taking control of their energy,
businesses can avoid most of the potential disruption from changes out of their hands, from price fluctuations to the intermittency often associated with renewables. By developing an efficient and sustainable energy strategy, businesses can be sure that whatever the future brings, they will be ahead of the curve.
Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.co.uk
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