Kempisch Bedrijven Park EnergyHub

Kempisch Bedrijvenpark (KBP) in Bladel is a growing business park where companies are rapidly electrifying their operations. With the rise of demanding assets, the local electricity grid is hitting its limits. Grid congestion has become a serious barrier to growth and sustainability.

These assets include:

• Extensive PV installations for renewable energy generation
• High-energy consumption manufacturers
• EV chargers for cars and e-trucks

In response, KBP launched a bold initiative in 2022: to establish a collaborative energy hub where companies can share energy capacity, optimize consumption, and orchestrate assets collectively. At the heart of this transformation lies the Energy Management System (EMS) developed by Tibo Energy.

What Tibo EMS does for KBP

Tibo EMS delivers precision control across this intricate charging network by:

• Preventing overload: Monitoring total energy consumption and production to ensure the contracted transport capacity (group transport contract) is never exceeded.
• Sharing: Fair distribution of capacity and costs for all stakeholders.
• Cutting costs and emissions: Whilst managing the grid limitations, enabling the EnergyHub’s stakeholders new revenue models. Making it attractive to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, setting serious steps towards reducing emissions.

Phased roll out

We learned that implementing the EMS in clearly defined phases is essential. This is not only important for the success of the project itself but also to ensure that stakeholders have time to adjust to the new situation.

The first phase involves installing local gateways (edge devices) and connecting the main kWh meters. By simply visualising the real-time consumption data, we begin by introducing energy monitoring. When historical data is added, our AI models can accurately predict energy consumption and generation.

In the second phase, we integrate controllable hardware assets, starting with PV installations. These installations can be curtailed when necessary, especially early in the project when surplus generation typically occurs on weekends.

Later, we add batteries and heat pumps to the system. A new wind turbine recently installed near the KBP site may also be integrated in the near future. In that case, contracted feed-in capacity could be transferred to the EnergyHub, allowing for even more efficient use of shared energy resources.

Fair distribution of capacity and costs

Capacity

Each stakeholder must relinquish their individual contracted capacity with the DSO in order to participate in the EnergyHub. This enables all capacity to be pooled and dynamically redistributed. When one participant experiences a temporary shortage, another’s unused capacity can be utilized. Additionally, stakeholders can borrow capacity from the shared pool when needed.

If no surplus is available in the pool, shared hardware assets are activated to support the system. These include the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and the CHP generator.

Compensation

When shared capacity or hardware assets are used, fair cost distribution becomes critical. Several models can be applied to ensure transparency and equity.

At KBP, the ROCC model is used, which consists of three cost layers:

1. Base layer – evenly distributes overhead costs among participants
2. Trading layer – enables the buying and selling of capacity within the EnergyHub
3. Asset layer – covers the use of shared hardware assets like BESS and CHP

Internal settlement is managed by the EMS, streamlining calculations and enabling easy invoicing.

Lessons learned

The Operator

We learned that the role of the Operator is often underestimated. This person is essential to align technical configuration with the needs of all stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing EMS settings, assessing power needs, and onboarding new participants. A strong Operator ensures the EnergyHub runs smoothly and delivers value.

Clarity on costs and benefits

It is important that stakeholders understand the financial implications of joining the EnergyHub from the start. Besides solving capacity challenges, participation can unlock new revenue streams. For example, investing in solar and selling power or capacity to the Hub can benefit both sides.

To ensure fairness, we have integrated settlement rules that transparently distribute costs and benefits among all participants.

Accountability

We found that clarity around responsibilities is essential for closing the deal and making progress during execution. Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and KPIs creates ownership and ensures accountability throughout the project.