TPSolar has established sister company TPStorage. TPStorage will focus entirely on setting up large-scale battery systems. These projects will be realized both stand-alone and on TPSolar’s solar parks.
Cooperation between TPSolar and TPStorage
A successful energy transition with a stable electricity network requires support, cooperation and knowledge sharing. By partnering with TPSolar, TPStorage brings with it at least nearly 10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector.
Connor Hendriks was already involved in reserving and realizing grid connections within TPSolar. Now, as director of TPStorage, he will also focus on battery systems. “I noticed in my conversations with the regional grid operators that they are facing enormous challenges to keep the power grid stable and reinforced” explains Connor. “Our solar parks are already being deployed smarter and smarter and soon grid connections with energy storage will also be better utilized.”
Connor is working with Ulf Rietmann, co-director of TPStorage. After 11 years of experience with large-scale solar rooftop projects, community batteries and larger storage systems, he now joins TPStorage as an expert in battery systems. “In the coming years, energy storage will become a crucial part of the renewable energy sector” Ulf adds. “It is still a fairly new development within the energy transition, but our company is well prepared to grow in this area in the coming years.” Together, Connor and Ulf are currently working hard with the relevant project developers within TPSolar to realize the first energy storage project(s).
Why is energy storage needed?
Energy storage in the form of large-scale battery systems is used to create space on the power grid. These systems are like a larger version of the battery in an electric car. They store electricity when it is not needed and supply it at times when it is needed. For example, energy from a solar farm can be used even when the sun is not shining. In this way, a battery system distributes the grid load during power peaks and helps solve transmission shortages on the power grid.
Ultimately, this way more renewable energy projects can be connected and more green power can be generated and used. Thus, these battery systems not only support climate goals, but also improve energy security and help reduce energy prices.
Coverage of electricity grid tightness
Recently there have been many reports about the tightness of the electricity network. This is mainly due to the rapid rise of renewable technologies and electrification. Much capacity on the grid is now claimed for later, but is often not yet used. There is therefore still a lot of transport capacity available if we use it more flexibly. Network operators and parties with a connection can work together to make better use of the existing grid. The negative reports about grid capacity do not help, because there are plenty of solutions for sustainability projects.
Of course, a task such as energy transition takes a lot of work and time. There is congestion in a number of regions and yes, it will take years before the electricity grids there are expanded and strengthened. This does not mean that we cannot and should not do anything now. The grid operators also need to know what capacity they need to expand for, and waiting to develop plans would mean that we would continue to be behind the times. Indeed, much can be realized “behind the meter,” for example, by getting started with energy storage. Energy storage is therefore necessary for a future-proof energy system. TPStorage hopes to become an important link in bringing this about.
For more information, see: www.tpstorage.nl