Without IT there is no energy anymore, believes Prof. Univ. Prof. Nicolae Olariu, former Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Valahia University. This is why it is necessary, and not only in Romania, to train energy specialists “on a core of software applications”. On the occasion of the conference “INFO DAY WEH ENERGY” organized by PETAL within the Wallachia e-HUB (WEH) project, Nicolae Olariu referred to the new business opportunities opened by the digitalization of energy.
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
Model: Aggregate distributed energy resources (DERs) such as PV systems, battery storage, and flexible loads into a single, virtual power plant to provide energy and grid services.
Benefits: Enhanced grid stability, optimized use of distributed energy resources, additional revenue streams for DER owners, and increased resilience against grid disruptions.
Implementation: Use advanced energy management software to connect and control DERs. Partner with local DER owners to integrate their systems into the VPP. Offer VPP services to grid operators for load balancing, frequency regulation, and other ancillary services.
Local Energy Markets through Peer-to-Peer Transactions
Model: Create a decentralized energy market where consumers and producers can trade energy directly with each other using peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms.
Benefits: Empowerment of consumers and producers, increased efficiency of local energy markets, reduced reliance on traditional utility companies, and enhanced local energy resilience.
Implementation: Develop and deploy a blockchain-based platform that facilitates secure and transparent energy transactions. Encourage local businesses and households with PV systems to participate. Provide tools for monitoring, trading, and settlement of energy transactions.
Energy Storage and the complementarity of sources (Hybridization)
Model: Integrate energy storage systems with renewable energy sources to create hybrid energy solutions that ensure reliable and consistent power supply.
Benefits: Improved energy reliability, reduced energy costs, better utilization of renewable energy, and enhanced energy security.
Implementation: Install battery storage systems alongside PV installations. Use energy management software to optimize the charging and discharging cycles. Offer hybrid solutions to businesses and residential customers.
Energy Communities
Model: Develop community-based energy projects where members collectively generate, share, and manage renewable energy resources.
Benefits: Increased energy independence, reduced energy costs for community members, strengthened community ties, and enhanced sustainability.
Implementation: Form cooperative groups or community trusts to invest in shared PV installations and energy storage systems. Use energy management platforms to monitor and distribute energy among community members. Partner with local governments and utility companies for support.
Energy as a Service (EaaS) for Saving and Optimal Use
Model: Offer comprehensive energy services to optimize energy use and achieve savings, including energy audits, PV system installations, and ongoing energy management.
Benefits: Reduced energy costs, improved energy efficiency, access to expert energy management, and enhanced sustainability.
Implementation: Provide tailored EaaS packages that include initial energy assessments, installation of PV systems, and continuous monitoring and optimization of energy use. Use advanced analytics and management tools to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
Pay-as-You-Go service via an App as a solution to energy poverty
Model: Provide affordable and flexible energy access through a pay-as-you-go model using a mobile app, targeting low-income households and areas facing energy poverty.
Benefits: Increased access to affordable energy, empowerment of low-income households, reduced energy poverty, and improved quality of life.
Implementation: Develop a mobile app that allows users to purchase energy credits in small increments. Install smart meters and PV systems for users, enabling them to access energy based on their purchased credits. Partner with local governments and NGOs for outreach and support.
The Wallachia e-Hub (WEH) project can offer help in developing such business models, both by providing access to knowledge and tools for assessment and analysis, and by encouraging innovative alliances between local businesses and public actors to accelerate digital transformation in the South Muntenia Region. WEH’s vision is to reach the capacity of a one-stop-shop provider of digitization services, so that every interested private/public actor receives support through integrated service packages offered by competent teams. At the same time, WEH assumes an intermediary role between local public organizations and SMEs to accelerate digital transformation in the region.