07 June 2023
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A new report is highlighting solutions for high energy users to navigate a complex energy market and avoid downtime from grid resilience issues.
Aggreko's Race to Resilience study indicates that ongoing energy instability means power supply remains a major concern for energy intense industries at risk of shortfalls.
It found that high energy users across Europe are in a precarious position in terms of future energy supply and security, particularly as investment in capacity for renewables for the grid is increased. As the relief packages for businesses’ energy bills across multiple European countries finish in 2024 and the EU’s gas price cap agreement ends in February 2024, concern is being raised that this will compound issues further.
From this, the report explores how facilities can secure enough power both now and in the future, highlighting a revised approach to decentralised energy as the route capable of improving security of supply, reducing transmission losses and lowering carbon emissions.
Chris Rason, Managing Director, Aggreko Energy Services, said: “The unpredictability of Europe’s power network, combined with ongoing energy instability means wide-scale uptake of autonomous models has the potential to transform Europe’s energy system. And while many high energy users have taken initial steps towards decentralised models, a revaluated approach to on-site power is crucial for industry to move forward – especially given the critical issues in play.''
The report gives prominence to microgrids, gas-powered generators, combined heat and power and energy storage as decentralised solutions able to deliver enhanced energy resilience and gives practical examples of these in action. One scenario was a 12MW industrial facility facing a planned shutdown of local power infrastructure. Here, Aggreko deployed a microgrid, using a diesel system alongside gas and battery solutions, to give the site a complete standalone solution.
To download the free Race to Resilience report click here.
