Grid operator Cogas and the innovative startup ValueA are entering into a pilot project to make the energy distribution network more intelligent. With smart software, various data sources can be combined and analyzed efficiently, reliably and smartly. This provides the grid operator with crucial information regarding the technical condition of the distribution grids, the use of sustainable sources, energy theft and other relevant developments.
Grid operators face major challenges in facilitating the transition to a sustainable energy supply. The rapid expansion of solar panels, heat pumps and electric charging stations, for example, leads to uncertainty about the necessary investments in the low-voltage grid. Investments in the gas distribution network must also be optimized, now that more and more neighborhoods are switching from natural gas to electricity and heat. With ValueA's intelligent software, grid operators can analyze and monitor large amounts of data from the distribution grid. By cleverly combining data sources and relating data to each other, the grid operator gains control over the energy transition.
The founders of ValueA were previously involved in the creation of Energie Data Service Nederland, the executive organization of the grid operators that in recent years has set up an extensive infrastructure for data management and messaging in the energy market. However, there was still a lack of tools to efficiently combine and process data in order to respond to the consequences of the energy transition.
Cogas will enter into a pilot project with ValueA until mid-2018 to put the system into practice. This allows the grid operator to make better investment decisions about expansion, maintenance and replacement of the gas and electricity grids. It also contributes to the safety of technicians, because they gain more insight into the use of the grid. Furthermore, grid losses, for example due to illegal cannabis farms, can be better detected.
Gerald de Haan, CEO of Cogas: “If we want a sustainable energy supply by 2050, this means that grid operators must already invest heavily in smart distribution networks. The more insight we have into the current and future use of those networks, the better we can respond. The collaboration with ValueA can make a major contribution to this. I am proud that we are the first grid operator in the Netherlands to apply this new technology. Cogas and ValueA show that our region offers an excellent basis for innovation.”
Richard Bosgraaf, founder and CEO of ValueA, is pleased with the collaboration with Cogas. “This innovation can be further developed within a grid operator with the scale of Cogas. Decisions are made quickly and practical knowledge is widely available. The combination of knowledge and skills of Cogas and ValueA is essential. With the ultimate goal of expanding the technology to other collaboration partners within and outside the Netherlands. Our ambition is to contribute to making the energy distribution network more intelligent in order to manage the energy transition.”
There is a lot of interest in the developed solutions. Bosgraaf: “We sit at the table with almost all regional grid operators. There is also interest from other parties, for example energy suppliers and national grid operators. By using our technology and solutions, suppliers are better able to predict energy flows, settle them in the market and keep supply and demand in balance.”
To shape the growth from startup to scale-up in a manageable and controlled manner, ValueA receives support from the Energy Venture Lab. This partnership between the University of Groningen, Gasunie, GasTerra, Energy Academy Europe and ENGIE supports with knowledge, an extensive network and possibly also venture capital. Discussions are currently underway with the University of Groningen about possible applications of blockchain technology for the energy transition.