How to achieve energy efficiency actions as an alternative to grid reinforcement!

Panel: Panel 4. Building the bridge from lab to customer

Authors:
Håvard Nordvik, E-CO Tech ltd.
Per Edvard Lund, E-CO Tech ltd.

Abstract

This paper analyses possibilities and barriers for the end user and for the network owner using energy efficiency actions as alternatives to grid reinforcement. From 1998 throughout 2001 E-CO Partner and the network owner Viken Nett have completed a project called “Implementation of Demand Side Management in Oslo” [1]. Results from this project are used as input to the ongoing project “New technology for controlling power load in Oslo” which started in 2001. The paper is based on results from these projects which have produced interesting results regarding methodology of motivating different end users for DSM actions, as well as methodology of DSM analysis for the network company.

A huge potential for postponing reinforcements at different grid levels through intelligent energy solutions among the end users is documented. It is possible to reduce or curb the peak load with 10–15% in a city area within a 3–4 year period. This implies energy efficiency actions such as building automation including load control, ordinary rehabilitation and converting from electrical heating to district heating or other energy carriers. For the network owners, the project has shown that DSM actions in a certain city area can be realized at a 30% lower cost than the costs of grid reinforcement. The paper is focused on motivation of the end user, as well as technical and economical approaches of DSM. Results are presented from both the end users’ and the network companies’ point of view.