The energy transition, the transition from fossil to sustainable energy sources, is an essential step towards a future with lower CO₂ emissions and more sustainable energy use. Where fossil energy sources, such as gas and coal, enable controlled and constant energy production, this is more complex with sustainable sources such as solar and wind energy. These sources are weather-dependent and therefore less predictable and controllable.
This fundamental change requires a different approach: where in the past energy production was adapted to demand, in the new situation energy demand must be made smarter and more flexible. To successfully navigate this transition, we must balance supply and demand using technologies and systems that can control and optimize energy consumption.
Smart control of energy
The four most obvious energy consumers that play a key role in the success of the energy transition are EV chargers, battery systems, heat pumps and solar panel installations. Below we describe how these systems can be controlled intelligently:
- EV chargers (Electric Vehicles)
Electric vehicles offer enormous flexibility because the charging time can often be spread over several hours. Smart charging stations can coordinate charging sessions with the supply of sustainable energy. For example, an EV can charge at night when there is little demand for electricity, or during the day when there is a surplus of solar energy. - Battery Systems
Batteries play a crucial role in storing energy when production is high and demand is low. Smart battery systems can be programmed to store energy when there is a surplus and feed it back into the grid during peak times. This not only helps to balance energy demand but also to minimise fluctuations in the grid. - Heat pumps
Heat pumps are energy-intensive, but can be controlled to operate at times when renewable energy is available. By storing heat in buffer tanks or in the thermal mass of buildings, the heat pump can act as an energy buffer and reduce peak loads. - Solar installations
Although solar panels produce energy themselves, the installation can also be managed intelligently. For example, by adjusting the inverter, overloading of the network can be prevented. In addition, solar panel systems can work together with batteries and other energy consumers to optimize the local use of produced energy.
Obstacles
Although flexible control of energy consumers is essential for a successful energy transition, it brings with it considerable challenges. A major obstacle is that end users – both consumers and companies – must not suffer any adverse consequences from this control.
Flexibility in energy consumption can have an impact on issues such as:
- Production capacity
For companies, reduced or delayed energy supply can directly affect the efficiency of production processes. Unexpected delays in, for example, machines or systems can lead to higher costs and possible loss of turnover. - Comfort
For consumers, postponing the use of heat pumps or EV chargers can cause inconvenience. Think of a home that is not heated up in time or a car that is not fully charged at the desired time. - Service
For organizations that depend on constant energy availability, such as hospitals or data centers, compromising on reliability is simply not an option.
These challenges make it clear that energy consumption management must be implemented carefully, with technologies that optimally maintain the balance between energy flexibility and user needs.
