The expansion of Port of Hirtshals with new industries, more renewable energy production and the simultaneous electrification of the industry at the port will create a significantly higher electricity consumption. One of the purposes of the EFFORT project is therefore to make calculations of the effects on the electricity grid, in order to ensure sufficient electrical capacity in the electricity grid. This is precisely the focal point in use case 1.

In the use case, the power grid is considered at both 400V, 10 kV, and up to the 60 kV stations in the area. Some of the analysis parameters are e.g.

•         voltage and current variations,

•         possible required storage capacity,

•         necessary import/export of electrical energy from the area,

•         operating costs for the network.

 

What will EFFORT achieve with the use case?

The main objectives of setting up a use case around the electricity grid in and around the Port of Hirtshals are to:

•         reduce peak loads,

•         minimize the power loss in the electricity grid,

•         reduce costs for new investments in the network infrastructure,

•         avoid disconnections of loads or supply in the area, because of a lack of capacity,

•         minimize errors in forecasts for loading and production, to ensure the best condition monitoring of the network,

•         increasing or maintaining customer satisfaction from industry in the area,

•         and CO2 reduction.

How does EFFORT work with the use case?

To illustrate the use case, a model for the electricity grid is set up. The model is based on measurements in the electricity grid and at selected industries. The model simulates how the industry can help minimize peak loads, as well as ensure a more even distribution of electricity consumption, through flexible management of their electricity consumption across their various processes. At the same time, consumption is adjusted to any local production at the port.

Simulations will show whether there are certain sections of the electricity grid that risk being overloaded in the future. They will also show whether overloads can be remedied via energy storage, or whether an extension will be necessary.

 

Measurement indicators/KPIs for the use case

To assess the power grid's strength in relation to the current situation and future load when expanding the port, various established indicators are measured. The measurement results from all indicators show minimization of peak loads via flexibility services. A reduction thus describes the relationship between a situation without control/flexibility and a situation where control/flexibility is present. The indicators are:

•         Reduced costs in relation to grid reinforcement (DKK/MW)

•         Reduction of peak load (MW and in %)

•         Reduction in losses in the electricity grid (MWh and in %) – if the load is leveled out via minimization of the peak loads, the loss will be reduced, as this is proportional to the square of the current, so peak loads cause comparatively very large losses

•         Avoid interruptions (interruptions per year, as well as energy not supplied (MWh))

•         Need for storage capacity (MWh)

•         Maximum variation in the voltage (V +/-) – must be seen in relation to the requirement that the voltage at 400 V level must be within +/- 10% in relation to the nominal value of 400 V

•         Import/export of energy from the area (MWh)

•         Consumer satisfaction – examined via interview

•         CO2 reduction (ton/year) – this will be proportional to the loss in the electricity grid

•         Minimizing forecast errors for loads and production (%)

To assess the parameters, it is necessary to have an overview of the status of the electricity grid as well as consumption and production. Setting up new measuring units is therefore necessary to get the necessary data. The provision of data takes place in connection with setting up a data hub, which is described in more detail in another use case.

 

Position in the green transition

In the new "Climate Agreement on Green Power and Heat" from 2022, there is a focus on a necessary expansion of the power grid's capacity, as well as future securing of green energy for the transport sector via P2X. This underlines the importance of the use case. Large parts of the energy at the port will in future come from renewable energy sources, whose electricity will contribute to the electrification of both the heating and transport sectors, as well as P2X technologies, which is one of the expected future industries at the port. At the same time, the large integration of renewable, fluctuating energy sources requires that the consumption is being adapted accordingly. In this way, energy is used in the best possible way. Flexible energy consumption by industry here plays a major role in how much expansion is required to ensure a stable electricity grid.