Greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands is seeing increasing use of battery storage as a solution to grid congestion and as part of energy trading. According to Eric van Honk of Ampowr, combining battery storage with CHP, lighting and solar panels is a strategic choice for growers. "The payback period is often under five years, while battery life is 15 years on average," he says.
Battery storage as answer to grid congestion
Many greenhouse farms experience constraints due to grid congestion. Batteries offer a way to temporarily store generated energy and use it at a later time. "When the grid is full, a battery can provide a solution by storing energy for self-consumption," says Eric. In addition, the system can contribute to frequency regulation and passive imbalance trading, providing additional revenue.
Commercial benefit and control capability
Besides necessity, growers increasingly see battery storage as a source of income. By purchasing energy cheaply and selling it at favorable times, the battery can contribute to a farm's financial optimization. Grid operators have requirements for plant control power. "With a 2 MWh battery, a grower can respond to the grid operator's demand, which offers opportunities in different energy markets," says his colleague Jaap Vreugdenhil.
Jaap Vreugdenhil and Eric van Honk
Data and security
Data security is a concern with battery storage. According to Van Honk, it is important that batteries comply with European regulations such as ISO 27001. "Batteries without the proper certification can be compulsorily disabled," he says. In addition, the origin of the software plays a role. "Our systems do not contain Chinese software, which is in line with regulations around cybersecurity."
Technical aspects and installation
Installing a battery involves several factors, such as foundation, regulations and connection to the grid. "It is not a matter of putting down a battery and connecting it. Proper configuration can save a grower tons," says Menno Terwel, who is involved with Ampowr and previously ran a transformer company. The quality of battery cells and the chemistry used, such as LFP, determine the safety and lifespan of the battery.
Market development
Currently, ten large batteries are already operational in greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands, with capacities between 4 and 10 MWh. Ampowr provides both installation and maintenance and offers 24/7 monitoring. "Our batteries are controlled by a DNO and can work together with any aggregator, BSP or CSP," says Van Honk. CSP partners help prevent congestion, while BSP partners contribute to frequency and voltage regulation on the grid.
Developments around battery storage in greenhouse horticulture are rapidly following one another. With increasing demand for control power and flexibility in energy management, interest in large-scale battery solutions is growing within the sector.
For more information:
Ampowr
+31 (0)88 0186 200
Erik van Honk
e.vanhonk@ampowr.com
Jaap Vreugdenhil
j.vreugdenhil@ampowr.com
www.ampowr.com