Zevij-Necomij tackles grid congestion with smart battery solutions from Boltainer

Zevij-Necomij BV, the largest purchasing organisation of affiliated technical wholesalers in construction and industry in the Benelux, has implemented innovative battery solutions at two locations to solve grid congestion problems and at the same time actively act on the energy market. The implementation of these batteries by Zevij-Necomij contributes to cost savings and more efficient energy management.

At the location on Rederijweg, Zevij-Necomij was struggling with too little contracted consumption capacity. Due to peak loads – caused by charging stations, electric heaters and computer start-up moments, among other things – the risk of intervention by grid operator Enexis became too great. “The risk that the plug will be pulled is real, and there are plenty of such examples,” says René van der Pas, facility manager at Zevij-Necomij.

Smart control

BOLT-215 batteries have been installed at both locations, equipped with AI-driven control of Battery Based Trading (BBT). The systems reserve up to 75% of their capacity to level off peak consumption (peak shaving) and are also used for automated trading on the imbalance market. Kevin van Boltainer: “This case perfectly demonstrates how battery storage, combined with intelligent control, can be used directly in the event of grid congestion problems. Our BOLT-215 systems not only provide peak shaving capacity, but also make optimal use of imbalance trading via automated algorithms. This project shows that flexibility behind the meter is essential in the energy transition.”

First positive results

The systems have been operational for two weeks now, and the first results are positive. “Within three days, we have already made significant progress,” says Van der Pas. “We expect to recoup the investment in less than five years. That makes this solution not only necessary because of grid congestion, but also financially attractive.” The battery on the Rederijweg mainly absorbs peak consumption, while the system on the Touwslagerijweg is now mainly used for energy trading. “Although there is no grid congestion at this location yet, we want to proactively respond to possible future problems.”

Involved partners

For the implementation, Zevij-Necomij worked with various specialized partners. Boltainer supplied the battery storage systems, Battery Based Trading (BBT) provided the smart AI-driven control behind the meter, and Vossestein Installaties was responsible for the technical installation at both locations.