Step by step: Migration scenario

Easy Smart Grid aims at introducing the new energy paradigm

1st step: immediate benefit harvesting the main energy consumers

The solutions mainly promoted to integrate RE in mini-grid are based on the “peak shaving” idea, reducing the energy supply to the grid to guarantee the grid stability through the fossil energy source. For solar energy, part of the energy at midday is cut away to avoid any black out in case of instantaneous change of consumption and/or production. This initial situation is a great opportunity for Demand Side Management (DSM) measures since any shift of the energy consumption to midday reduces the amount of RE “shaved” away. As a 1st step toward an Easy Smart Grid, part of the consumers will be equipped with an ESG meter and a SmaCo reacting to the price signal.

2nd step: higher RE penetration and potential storage

The first step maximized the potential of existing renewable energy plant and mobilized the available flexibility potential (quantity and constraint). Additional renewable energy can be integrated and strengthen the existing variable tariff market design. Every energy producer, renewable or fossils, will be equipped with an ESG meter and a SmaCo so that the energy system can better be coordinated.

3rd step: full ESG implementation

The final step is to enable the integration of all the household devices connected in the mini-grid and the generalization of the variable tariff design. Every grid participant willing to offer their flexibility to the grid will benefit from a better energy price. Every household will be equipped with an ESG meter and every relevant appliance with a SmaCo. Some manufacturers will integrate ESG functions directly in their equipment. At this stage, energy storage can be installed and integrated within the variable tariff market.

Easy Smart Grid aims at introducing the new energy paradigm where renewable energy reaches a high penetration and requires grid flexibility. Disrupting the old electricity organization requires a stepwise scenario to ensure the full involvement and comprehension of the energy market actors.

1st step: immediate benefit harvesting the main energy consumers

The solutions mainly promoted to integrate RE in mini-grid are based on the “peak shaving” idea, reducing the energy supply to the grid to guarantee the grid stability through the fossil energy source. For solar energy, part of the energy at midday is cut away to avoid any black out in case of instantaneous change of consumption and/or production. This initial situation is a great opportunity for Demand Side Management (DSM) measures since any shift of the energy consumption to midday reduces the amount of RE “shaved” away. As a 1st step toward an Easy Smart Grid, part of the consumers will be equipped with an ESG meter and a SmaCo reacting to the price signal.

2nd step: higher RE penetration and potential storage

The first step maximized the potential of existing renewable energy plant and mobilized the available flexibility potential (quantity and constraint). Additional renewable energy can be integrated and strengthen the existing variable tariff market design. Every energy producer, renewable or fossils, will be equipped with an ESG meter and a SmaCo so that the energy system can better be coordinated.

3rd step: full ESG implementation

The final step is to enable the integration of all the household devices connected in the mini-grid and the generalization of the variable tariff design. Every grid participant willing to offer their flexibility to the grid will benefit from a better energy price. Every household will be equipped with an ESG meter and every relevant appliance with a SmaCo. Some manufacturers will integrate ESG functions directly in their equipment. At this stage, energy storage can be installed and integrated within the variable tariff market.

Once the whole flexibility will be enhanced, potential for additional RE plants might be analyzed and allow additional installations and a higher RE penetration in the grid.

Case: Simulation on a desalination plant in a touristic resort on the Maldives

With 70% occupancy over the year, the desalination plant can reduce its operating hours while the touristic resort is not fully occupied. With the same PV penetration, shifting the load can have great economic benefits for the grid operators, reducing its PV energy lost.To motivate the desalination plant to shift its load whenever it is grid supportive, the grid operator offers him a variable tariff coded through the frequency. In July, the desalination plant is saving 19% on its monthly energy bill and is saving 4% (more than 7000 USD) on the yearly energy cost. For the grid operators and/or the independent power producer, this load shift guarantees the optimization of the RE used. For example, in July, should the 5 hours operations run during the night, the RE shares will be only 17% while it could be 21% with a load shift to daytime.