Europe’s Ambitious Energy Transition
Over the past few years, Europe has embarked on an ambitious energy transition. Between 2004 and 2020, the share of renewables in Europe’s energy mix increased from 9.6% to 22.1% (+12.5% in 16 years). By 2030, this share is targeted to reach 45% (+23% in just 10 years). This shift has introduced two significant changes to electrical grids.
Rising Electricity Consumption
Traditionally fossil fuel-based systems are gradually being electrified. In Belgium, residential energy consumption accounts for 19% of total energy use, with only 5% of that being electricity. The remaining 14% represents carbon-based heating.
- Residential Heating
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- Residential heating alone represents 14% of Belgium’s total energy consumption. If 50% of homes transition to electric heating systems (e.g., heat pumps with COP=3), household electricity consumption could increase by 50%.
- Transportation
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- Currently fossil-fuel dependent, transportation accounts for 23% of Belgium’s energy consumption. If 30% of vehicles switch to electric, household electricity consumption could rise by 150%.
Together, these factors could triple household electricity consumption.
Decentralized Low-Voltage Production
Historically, the grid was designed for centralized electricity production in power plants, distributing energy to consumers.
The low-voltage grid was built based on the assumption that consumption would be distributed evenly throughout the day, resulting in a balanced, smoothed load.
The widespread adoption of renewable energy, especially solar PV, has caused a major decentralization of energy production.
Challenges of Decentralized Solar Production
Domestic photovoltaic systems are sized to produce enough electricity annually to meet a household’s needs. However, they often fail to consider when energy is produced. Prosumers inject energy into the grid during sunny summer days, expecting to draw it back during winter.
This creates a significant strain on the grid, as sunlight causes all prosumers to produce energy simultaneously. The result? The grid loses its traditional smoothing effect and becomes overloaded during sunny periods, causing local voltage surges.
Impacts of Voltage Surges and Inverter Dropout
These surges lead to several negative consequences:
- Reduced renewable energy production: Up to 60% of potential production can be lost due to inverter dropouts.
- Financial losses for prosumers: Missed production translates into revenue losses. Additionally, the lack of solar energy increases reliance on carbon-based alternatives.
- Premature inverter wear: Frequent inverter dropouts—sometimes dozens per day—accelerate wear and shorten their lifespan.
- Damage to electronic devices: Voltage fluctuations can degrade appliances, computers, and other household electronics.
A Need for Smarter Grid Management
In response to these challenges, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) such as ORES and RESA are requesting additional budgets to reinforce the grid. However, these upgrades are costly and often unnecessary, as the grid operates adequately for over 85% of the year.
Instead, we believe the existing grid should be optimized to better utilize its potential and minimize the need for expensive infrastructure investments.
Conclusion
The rapid energy transition brings significant challenges, particularly for decentralized solar energy production. Addressing inverter dropout requires innovative solutions to optimize the grid, reduce costs, and maximize renewable energy output. With technologies like LoopXCell intelligent batteries, energy flow can be better managed, stabilizing the grid and ensuring the energy transition benefits both consumers and the environment.