Integrated energy solutions for sites and complexes generate added value for all stakeholders. They intelligently network all of the energy supply components for an ideal interaction of production, consumption and storage within an overall system. This unleashes efficiency potential, increases the degree of self-sufficiency and secures long-term supply to new and existing properties. The new ewz and Faktor Journalisten white paper entitled ‘Integrated energy solutions for sites and complexes’ offers property owners a knowledge base they can use during the planning process.
Components of integrated energy solutions
To exploit synergies, you need to plan the energy solution as a networked system from the beginning.
Heating and cooling from local, renewable sources
Thermal networks are a good way of supplying sites or complexes with carbon-free or carbon-neutral local heating and cooling. They can be implemented and operated on different scales (for complexes, sites or entire neighbourhoods) and at different temperature levels. The energy for high-temperature networks largely comes from wood or the waste heat generated by waste incineration plants, while networks with low to medium temperature levels often use geothermal heat, lake and river water, ground water and waste heat (from computing centres, for example). The lowest operating temperatures are achieved by anergy networks or low-temperature networks, which also cool buildings in summer with the free cooling method. Various network types can be combined for greater efficiency (see Côté Parc and Greencity).
Harness solar power with a high rate of self-consumption
A self-consumption association (ZEV) maximises the amount of energy consumed on site, which means that the photovoltaic installation is paid off quicker. What’s more, solar power is often cheaper than electricity from the public grid for ZEV participants. Local electricity communities (LEG), which are expected to be introduced in 2025 or 2026, enable solar power supply across properties and use the distribution grid.
Microgrids for security in planning and supply
Site electricity grids can be used to supply complexes, sites or neighbourhoods with electrical energy. Microgrids, or smart grids fitted with smart components, incorporate both generators and consumers of electricity. They help to ensure grid reliability by selectively switching on consumers, charging storage systems or throttling production.
Charging infrastructure and electromobility – the new standard
Electromobility is another important aspect of sustainable sites. To meet the growing demand for electric charging stations, it is a good idea to address construction of the charging infrastructure early on. Load management can help coordinate the electricity requirements of the charging station(s) with that of the other consumers in the building, and to regulate charging.
Storing energy for enhanced efficiency
With the share of renewable energies set to increase in the future, energy storage will become increasingly important. For example, electric car batteries configured for bidirectional charging can be used for storage purposes. Stationary battery storage systems are another means of absorbing surplus solar power and making it available again as required. Thermal storage units can be charged with solar power that would otherwise have to be fed into the public grid. This helps prevent peak loads, and also means that heat generators can set up in smaller dimensions. Geothermal probe fields can absorb excess heat (e.g. from solar panels or waste heat) to regenerate the ground and to cool spaces.
Reducing emissions and cutting costs in the long term
Continuous energy monitoring is a good way to cut energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the long term. Continuous monitoring of the electricity, heating and cooling consumption values in a property, for example, can serve as a basis for adjustment. Energy monitoring is also important for ESG reporting, which is already mandatory for certain companies. By constantly reviewing consumption data and ensuring professional operation, companies have an opportunity to reach their efficiency and environmental targets and to create transparency in their dealings with various stakeholder groups.
‘Energy as a service’
The ‘use, don’t own’ principle is ideally suited to integrated energy solutions for entire complexes or sites. For customers, this not only reduces their investment of time, but also the financial risk, while ensuring a significantly higher security of supply. When a client chooses an ‘energy as a service’ model, they outsource the planning, construction, operation and/or financing of the entire energy infrastructure for decades. This also ensures that the systems are operated reliably and efficiently.
Learn more in our new white paper entitled ‘Integrated energy solutions for sites and complexes’.
