Mobile Storage For More Renewable Energy In E.ON Networks

Following the launch of IElectrix (Indian and European Local Energy CommuniTies for Renewable Integration and the Energy Transition) in May 2019, the project is picking up speed, the commissioning of the first mobile storage system within the overall project marks the start of the implementation phase.

mobile storage system

With our mobile storage, we can optimize network expansion, and reduce the shutdown of renewable plants"

The first mobile storage system is located in the network area of E.ON’s subsidiary E.DIS in Friedland in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. At present, approximately twice as much renewable energy is generated there as is consumed.

E.ON's Chief Operating Officer - Networks Thomas König says, "After the planning phase, we are now starting implementation and bringing IElectrix's first mobile energy storage solution to the grid. This is our response to the rapid transformation of the energy system toward ever more decentralized generation: With our mobile storage, we can optimize network expansion, reduce the shutdown of renewable energy plants, and feed in more locally generated green energy quickly and cost-effectively."

Grid flexibility 

IElectrix is part of the EU's largest research and innovation program, Horizon 2020. Within three and a half years, 15 project partners from eight EU countries and distribution grid operator TATA Power DDL from India will jointly develop mobile storage as fast and cost-effective solutions to tackle local challenges in the distribution grid.

The storage solutions are designed to reduce grid overloads, promote the decentralized generation and increase flexibility in the grid.

energy transition

Mobile storage solutions can bridge the gap until the necessary grid expansion is complete

To make the grid fit for the energy transition and allow the feed-in of numerous decentralized generation plants, E.ON is investing around €6.6 billion in the next three years in the German networks alone.

However, such investments are only one prerequisite for a stable, secure power supply, while complex approval procedures are another. Several years can pass between planning and implementation.

To ensure that as much green electricity as possible is still fed into the grid, mobile storage solutions can bridge the gap until necessary grid expansion is complete, especially in rural regions with a high proportion of renewable energy. Such solutions are to be used temporarily throughout Europe, especially in those regions.

Intelligent algorithms

Intelligent algorithms take over the independent and active communication between the energy storage system and the large transformer in the substation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

When the transformer has reached its capacity limit, an algorithm sends a signal to the storage system to start storing energy. Such intelligent solutions could help to integrate wind power and photovoltaic systems into the networks in an automated and efficient manner. 

energy management systems

The project managers are also planning to promote the establishment of energy communities

Commissioning a second IElectrix storage solution is also imminent. In fall 2020, E.ON will connect one storage facility to the distribution grid in Hungary, with another to follow next spring. For some time, there has been a major imbalance there between potentially available solar energy and connection capacities.

In addition to using storage solutions, the project managers are also planning to promote the establishment of energy communities. Active energy management systems and intelligent household appliances such as smart water heaters or heat pumps – in combination with intelligent metering systems will be used in Hungary.

IElectrix

The consortium pioneer of IElectrix is the French distribution grid operator - ENEDIS. In addition to E.ON Group Innovation, E.ON Hungary and E.DIS are also participating in the project.

IElectrix is funded by the European Union with €7.9 million, and the total project volume is €10.7 million.