Spark by Volue supports a resilient and balanced grid

Sustainable and Scalable Neighbourhood Energy Systems 

I think I speak for everyone associated with Spark by Volue when I say that we started 2024 building on the positive momentum created towards the end of last year. Thanks to this hard work, we have fostered and created an ecosystem of partnerships and services that integrate connected resources into a sustainable and scalable neighborhood energy system. 

While this in itself is good news, what is even more exciting is knowing that there is much more to come. The success of Spark by Volue centres on the strength of our partnerships. By working together, we continue to move closer to the common objective of a robust power grid, accelerated adoption of renewable energy, and the ultimate aim of achieving net zero cities. 

Our approach is two-fold. For Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), we support the use of APIs that offer unparalleled value to customers. We enhance the use of resources by empowering them to engage in the shift towards a sustainable energy ecosystem. For Distribution System Operators (DSOs), our work ensures low-voltage grid vitality with seamless efficiency. 

The eNabo Service: A Pioneering Programme in Norway 

In May, we announced a partnership with Norgesnett that allows Norwegian electricity users to receive incentives for consuming electricity in ways that benefit the local power grid. 

In my commentary last year, I mentioned that this was something we had in the pipeline, and it is greatly rewarding to see the positive impact from the launch, among our partners, stakeholders, and the media.  

While initially focused on Norway, there is no reason it cannot be introduced across Europe to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources while ensuring the stability of the low-voltage grid. While this will not happen immediately, it is certainly an ambition of mine. 

Looking Forward: Load Shifting 

 Load shifting within the power grid remains an important practice of moving electricity consumption from periods of high demand to periods of lower demand. It is one of many ways to balance the power grid, alongside pricing metrics and energy storage solutions. 

Our approach to load shifting ensures that DSOs experience low-voltage grid vitality with seamless efficiency. Our neighborhood energy coordination enables DSOs to handle the surge in solar energy and electric vehicle adoption, unlocking the untapped potential for optimising energy distribution. 

We recognise that load shifting is crucial for balancing electricity supply and demand in the power grid. The adoption of solar panels on housing, heat pumps and EV charging can significantly impact load shifting by altering demand patterns, providing opportunities for energy storage and redistribution, and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. The second half of 2024 will see an increasing focus on load shifting by Spark by Volue. As part of that, I am delighted to announce that we will publish news relating specifically to load shifting and our work with a new DSO in Q3 this year. 

Developing a Balanced and Resilient Grid 

 

Most of us in the industry are aware of the challenges currently being placed on the grid. I have long argued that by leveraging distributed energy resources, we can facilitate more intelligent power grid usage. Looking back on the impact we have made during the last six months, our work has directly accelerated the energy transition at the neighborhood level while maintaining a healthy and stable low-voltage grid. 

We will continue to work towards developing a balanced and resilient grid, preparing it to meet future demands, and we have much more to come in the second half of 2024 and beyond.