Smart Energy Community

Help requests from the community

• Help requests from Webinar 13: Build together! Energy communities and other collective solutions

  "We have a great group meter that can accommodate 10 connections, aimed at becoming energy neutral together. It can be connected using a custom-designed dongle or through API integration. I am also actively working on an open-source group meter that could work for multi-sites. Who can I discuss this with?"
  (Egbert Bouwhuis –GPX Open Source – bouwhuis@gpx.nl)
  

• "Assistance requests from Webinar 12: Build together! Storing, sharing, and securing data"

  "We are optimizing storage (batteries, heat) with our open-source software and are looking for a storage supplier to establish a partnership. Who is open to an introduction and potential collaboration?"
  (Sicco Boorsma – FryslanDuurzaam  – sboorsma@fryslanduurzaam.frl)

  "We have extensive experience and knowledge in KNX and KNX-RF home and building systems engineering. We would be happy to leverage our expertise on a project basis and look forward to potential collaboration."
  (Joop Storck – Domotica Consulting Storck – joop.storck@dcs-steenwijk.nl)

• "Hulpvragen Webinar 11: Build together! The opportunities for smart energy services within office buildings"

  "We develop software for flexibility control and are looking for companies and consultants in the field of control technology to establish tech partnerships. Our software is open source and is also used in early stages for simulation (digital twin). Who should I approach for a demo?"
  (Nicolas Höning – Seita Energy Flexibility – nicolas@seita.nl)

  "EScom has developed a heat panel that extracts heat from both the PV panel and the air as a heat source for the heat pump. We are looking for real estate properties with an energy problem and a consumption above 30,000m3 that are interested in exploring how we can solve this together."

  (Corné Dijkshoorn – Escom – corne.dijkshoorn@escom.nu)

  "Are there any companies or researchers who would like to learn more about the opportunities to test a smart energy service for residential or office buildings at The Green Village field lab?"
   (Lidewij van Trigt – The Green Village – lidewij.vantrigt@thegreenvillage.org)

• Assistance requests at the Build together! First physical networking event of the Smart Energy Community for residential and commercial buildings.

  "We are looking for parties with charging stations connected to solar energy or EPEX spot prices, or parties involved in such projects. We are also interested in energy consultants, project developers, and technical service providers." (Erik de Bruijn​ - stekkerapp -  edb@stekker.app​)

  
  "With our Smart Energy Platform, we can gather information (including energy monitoring) in industrial processes for aggregator services such as peak shaving." (James Meijer​ -  van Egmond Groep - j.meijer@vanegmond.nl​) 

  "We are looking for new team members, ranging from CTO and CCO to R&D/Mechanical Engineers, including a Workshop Manager and Lab personnel." (Yorick Baljeu ​- AquaBattery - yorick.baljeu@aquabattery.nl)​

  "With a group of 40 households, we aim to intelligently share generated energy among each other in a Smart grid for our newly built homes. However, how do you achieve this when you can only individually request an electricity connection from the energy provider?" (Hans Mutsaerds - Rijksoverheid - Hans.Mutsaerds@rijksoverheid.nl​)

• "Hoe kunnen we de zelf opgewekte zonnestroom slim gebruiken en opslaan? Welke ontwikkelingen en toepassingen zijn er op dit gebied? We zijn op zoek naar kennis en expertise om ons te helpen bij het optimaliseren van het gebruik en de opslag van zonne-energie."

  "We have developed a high-energy-density thermal storage system with energy loss comparable to Li-ion batteries, but at a quarter of the cost. We are looking for an aggregator to explore how our storage systems can be deployed in buildings within a smart grid." (Pavol Bodis – Newton Energy Solutions B.V. – p.bodis@newtonenergy.nl)

  "Vaillant Group is a manufacturer of heat pumps and will be offering smart home API solutions starting from mid-March/April. We are interested in collaborating with external platforms (such as Enervalis), as well as installers, service companies, housing associations, and contractors. If anyone is interested in a partnership or introduction, please let me know!" (Renzo Loon – Vaillant – renzo.loon@vaillant-group.com)

  
  "We want to share the electricity generated by large-scale solar installations with surrounding buildings. Is there an alternative solution to setting up an energy cooperative for this?" (Alp Çakir – Gemeente Amstelveen – a.cakir@amstelveen.nl) "Who wants to brainstorm about incorporating simple forms of electricity sharing without involving a supplier into the energy law?" (Wido van Heemstra – Zelfstandige –  t.vanheemstra@chello.nl)

• "Assistance requests Webinar 9: Build together! Smart systems for energy management in homes and commercial buildings"

  "Freelux is a manufacturer of smart switchgear and is seeking partners interested in evaluating new concepts related to monitoring and control of devices through wall sockets/power outlets."
  (Andries Pasma – Freelux – a.pasma@freelux.nl) 

  "Energiecoöperatie Sterk-op-Stroom is involved in an experiment under the Electricity Act. We are going to experiment with new revenue models for energy communities. Which local energy communities have experience with dynamic grid tariffs?"
   (Willie Berentsen – Sterk-op-Stroom – willie.berentsen@sterkopstroom.nl)

  ''The Green Village is a regulatory-free "outdoor laboratory" located on the TU Delft Campus with a focus on the built environment, where testing can be conducted at the neighborhood, street, and building levels. It serves as a place for living, working, and learning. We are looking for SMEs developing products or services that contribute to the sustainability of the built environment or energy transition. Interested? Please contact us so that we can submit a research proposal together for a new voucher scheme.''
   (Lidewij van Trigt – The Green Village – lidewij.vantrigt@thegreenvillage.org)

  
  ''Vaillant Group is a manufacturer of heat pumps and starting from mid-March/April, we offer smart home API solutions. We are keen to collaborate with external platforms (such as Enervalis), as well as installers, service companies, housing corporations, and contractors. If anyone is interested in a partnership or getting to know us, please let me know!''
  (Renzo Loon – Vaillant – renzo.loon@vaillant-group.com) 
  
  
  ''In the AmBIENCe project (https://ambience-project.eu/), we are introducing flexibility and demand-response in EPC contracts. We want to integrate the tool for monitoring flexibility with existing building energy systems. We are looking for suppliers of BMS systems who are interested in collaborating and providing input on this topic.''
  (Annick Vastiau  – Vito – annick.vastiau@vito.be)
  
  "We are working on Business Models for Energy Performance Contracts that incorporate flexibility and Demand Response in buildings. This is based on Active Control Management systems to optimize flexibility through heat pumps, PV, charging stations, etc., for cost and CO2 savings. Who else is working on this (technology or services)? Who is interested in engaging in a dialogue about this?"
   (Lieven Vanstraelen – Energinvest – lvanstraelen@energinvest.be)
  
  "The smart battery stores the excess energy you generate and releases it when needed. The battery self-regulates and works with almost any brand of solar panels. Simply plug it into the socket and you're ready to go. We are looking for pilot locations to further fine-tune/validate the self-learning algorithms."
  (Jeroen Wortelboer – slimmebatterij.com – info@slimmebatterij.com)

• "Help Questions Webinar 8: Build together! Opportunities for Innovation"

  "We are developing thermal buffers. We are looking for partners for our upcoming 3 pilot projects who can assist with construction, testing, and the development of the control strategy. We aim to create grid-relieving controllers that can charge a buffer with immediately usable heat based on weather and electricity price forecasts. The system should have a robust safety architecture and a fallback mechanism in case of internet outage." (Joost Brand - Borg Energy - joost.brand@borg.energy)

  "As an association of decentralized governments, we are keen to participate in a project focused on the following themes: 1. collective energy savings (through a societal ESCO structure), 2. collective heat supply, and 3. an aggregator function for energy exchange in the neighborhood (both electricity and heat/cooling). Our role is to learn, address (partial) challenges, and share this knowledge among our members." (Jan Engels - Klimaatverbond Nederland - jan.engels@klimaatverbond.nl)

  "We are researching the matching between weather-dependent energy supply and user demand. The addition of storage capacity (battery) has limited impact, with self-consumption increasing by only a few percentage points. Are there any projects known to achieve a high matching rate (e.g., 100%)?"

  Peter Quaak - Hogeschool van Amsterdam - p.quaak@hva.nl)

  
  "Alliander, the grid operator, is developing an open-source tool for building flexibility markets by DSOs/TSOs. We are looking for partners to collaborate on building an open-source tool for aggregators/ESCOs to participate in these markets, possibly through a Top Sector subsidy project. We bring existing software and deep USEF knowledge to the project." (Nicolas Höning - Seita Energy Flexibility BV - nicolas@seita.nl)

  "For the AmBIENCe project (https://ambience-project.eu/), we are looking for parties interested in incorporating flexibility in EPC contracts. Do you have experience with including flexibility measures in EPC contracts or are you considering doing so? We would love to hear from you." (Annick Vastiau - Vito - annick.vastiau@vito.be)

  "I am an initiative facilitator for local energy initiatives in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation. I am interested in energy storage solutions. Who can assist me?" (Margreet Schuiling - Drentse Koepel Energie-Initiatieven - margreet@drentsekei.nl)

  "We are conducting research on legal issues related to offering heat as a service. Who has conducted similar research and is willing to share their experiences?" (Rik van Oorschot - Fieldlab Gewoon Gezond Wonen - Rik.vanoorschot@ggwconsortium.com)

  "In Rotterdam, research is underway for a large-scale battery (>5 MWh) that aims to address limited grid capacity in a specific location. This battery will be deployed in a highly urban environment and will be idle for a significant portion of time (>90%) for the specific use case. The neighborhood consists of residential towers, offices, and commercial activities such as retail, with the expectation of increasing EV charging demand and limited renewable energy generation options. The municipality aims to ensure that other large energy consumers in the area can also benefit from the available grid capacity solution. Individuals with interesting solutions are encouraged to get in touch." (Stan Klerks - Gemeente Rotterdam - saw.klerks@rotterdam.nl)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 7: Build together! The role of data & IT platforms in smart building control

  "As developers of thermal buffers, we are looking for a partner to create a robust self-learning/optimizing system that can be integrated with different types of heat sources. The EEbus protocol appears to be well-suited for incorporating buffering capabilities. We would like to hear if this is endorsed and identify potential collaborators to help us in this development." (Joost Brand - Summer Heat - joost.brand@summerheat.nl)

  
  "What inexpensive and easy-to-implement solutions/products are available to help consumers increase self-consumption of solar energy?" (Christijn den Besten - Milieu Centraal - Christijn.denBesten@MilieuCentraal.nl)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 6: Build together! The commercial opportunities to get started with Smart Energy

  "We have been developing a control box since 2003 that turns any location behind the meter (and if you connect multiple locations, it can also be behind the transformer on a district level) into a smart grid: supplying electricity when needed and consuming electricity when there is excess on the grid. We are looking for more customers who are interested in installing our box and experiencing its benefits. Who wants to join?" (Esger Schouten - Peta Watts - esger@petawatts.nl)

  "The Energy Cooperative Uitgeest would like to start a pilot project with smart energy. Who can assist us with this?" (Astrid Veenstra - DUEC (Sustainable Uitgeest Energy Cooperative) - astrid@duec.nl)

  "As a developer of a new type of stationary batteries, Exergy Storage is interested in connecting with parties and collaboration partners to realize the development of prototype batteries/containers and their integration into demonstration projects/test beds/energy systems." (Gert Jan Jongerden - Exergy - gertjan.jongerden@exergy-storage.nl)

  "What is the logical role for a municipality in enabling flexibility? Are there people who can provide examples of municipal involvement and/or programs?" (Freek Vossen - Municipality of Utrecht - freek.vossen@utrecht.nl)

  "We are working within the AmBIENCe project (https://ambience-project.eu/) to introduce flexibility and demand response in EPC contracts. We are looking for ESCOs interested in the 'renewed' EPC concept and new ideas to incorporate flexibility into EPC contracts." (Annick Vastiau - Vito - annick.vastiau@vito.be)

  "We have made significant progress with a group purchase for PV installations and currently have around 4000 solar panels on various company roofs. We have no influence, but we would like to move towards a situation with smart grids and interbilling systems so that generated energy can be used and shared among each other. We also want to be able to balance and support each other's peaks. I would like to receive good tips and best practices and also hear how the legislation is addressing this possibility. I have heard that there is still a bottleneck in that regard." (Jaap Langhout - BKS - info@bksonline.nl)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 5: Build together! Acceptance of Smart Energy - the importance of understandable services, peace of mind & automation."

  "Exergy Storage is a developer of a new type of battery technology. Through this network, we would like to get in touch with partners to collaboratively deploy prototype batteries in demonstration tests." (Gert Jan Jongerden - Exergy - gertjan.jongerden@exergy-storage.nl)

  "I am an IoT specialist with knowledge of connecting and controlling heat pumps or other equipment. I would like to connect with parties seeking solutions in this context." (Dick Oort - REMATE - dick.oort@remate.nl)

  "Our advice is not to reinvent the wheel on your own. Together with our partner, we started 5 to 6 years ago, and we now have over 3000 homes in the field. Of those, 2000 were completed last year, but the first 1000 took longer. Look for a partner with experience to truly scale up. At ABB, we are open to this." (Giovanni Oorthuizen - ABB - giovanni.oorthuizen@nl.abb.com)

  "I am active in LV and PV and offer dynamic prices to GV and KV, and I am looking for parties with access to business consumers and a smart solution - tailored to each customer - to switch based on time-of-use energy rates." (Remko Ten Barge (previous speaker) - NieuweStroom & easyEnergy - r.tenbarge@nieuwestroom.nl)

  "At Crownstone, we develop Positioning Hardware for truly smart homes using AI. We are looking for partners (energy companies or heat pump manufacturers) to integrate heat pumps into a smart home ecosystem. Is anyone interested in collaborating?" (Teresa Van Dam - Crownstone - teresa@crownstone.rocks)

  "I am a smart home engineer and seeking collaboration with organizations that implement smart homes." (John van Krieken - Smarthome Services - john@smarthome-services.nl)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 4: Build together! Flexibility in commercial buildings - where is the business case?

  "I am responsible for the smart building program at Nexton. I am looking for partnerships with companies that can help buildings automatically balance the electricity grid. Currently, I have a case study of 30,000 sqm at Zuidas and prospects of 800,000 sqm with other clients." (Richard de Ruijter - Nexton - rpderuijterz@gmail.com)

  "FlexMeasures is an open-source platform for real-time optimization of flexible energy. The platform aims to predict and enable continuous planning for individual assets. We are looking for energy service companies interested in offering smart energy services. It is offered through a SaaS model to Energy Service Companies, with the possibility of consultancy regarding algorithms or installation. See also: https://flexmeasures.io/" (Nicolas Höning - Seita BV - nicolas@seita.nl)

  "Who has experience with Measurement & Verification (M&V) in the context of flexibility in commercial buildings (including Energy Performance Contracts)?" (Lieven Vanstraelen - Energinvest - lvanstraelen@energinvest.be)

  "Exergy is actively developing a new battery technology for stationary applications such as building-integrated (electric) energy storage. We are interested in connecting with parties willing to test prototypes of this new battery technology in pilots." (Gert Jan Jongerden - Exergy Storage - gertjan.jongerden@exergy-storage.nl)

  "NetAnders analyzes real-time and expected (sustainable) energy supply and demand, enabling proactive management based on these predictions. Which organizations have a need for these analyses?" (Wildrik Pepping - NetAnders - w.h.pepping@gmail.com)

  "Jolt Energy Group in the Benelux offers fast chargers with built-in buffer batteries. I am looking for a partner to develop a shared business case for the deployment of these fast chargers." (Ferry Tap - Jolt Energy Group - ferry.tap@jolt.energy)

  "AmBIENCe is developing an active building EPC concept and calculation module that includes flexibility and demand response. Currently, we are working on the business models related to this. We are seeking ESCOs interested in testing the concept and tool or providing input on the business model." More info at http://ambience-project.eu/ (Annick Vastiau - VITO - annick.vastiau@vito.be)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 3: Build together! Smart charging of electric vehicles at home and in the office

  "I would like to connect with specialists in the field of short-term and short-duration electrical energy storage." (Rick Bruins - Remeha BV - rick.bruins@remeha.nl)

  "Together with other back-office providers, we are actively searching for battery systems that operate according to the open specification OCPP2.0. Which battery supplier already offers this?" (Jan Willem Heinen - Maxem - jw.heinen@maxem.io)

  "We are looking for a complex with rental apartments equipped with heat pumps and space for a shared storage system, where we can demonstrate our concept." (Evert Kuiken - LENS - evert@lens-energie.nl)

  "I am personally involved in the energy transition through Energiecoöperatie Energie-U, where energy poverty is a prominent issue on the agenda this year. I am looking for experts in supporting residents in this context." (Jan Dirk Buining - Arcadis Nederland bv - jandirk.buining@arcadis.com)

  "Is there anyone with experience in performance guarantees for flexibility in homes?" (Lieven Vanstraelen - Energinvest - lvanstraelen@energinvest.be)

  "AmBIENCe is developing an active building EPC concept and calculation module that incorporates flexibility and demand response. We are currently working on the business models for this. We are seeking ESCOs interested in testing the concept and tool or providing input on the business model." For more information, visit http://ambience-project.eu/ (Annick Vastiau - VITO - annick.vastiau@vito.be)

  "I am an aggregator and I am looking for a supplier or installer of heat pumps to collaborate with." (Jeffrey Bartels - Edmij - jeffrey.bartels@edmij.nl)

• Hulpvragen Webinar 2: Build together! Flexibility in residential buildings - where is the business case?

  "We provide electricity at hourly and quarter-hourly prices, and we control a specific brand of charging station. Which project developer, building manager, or parking lot manager is interested in collaborating on smarter charging?" (Jeffrey Bartels - ED.mij - jeffrey.bartels@edmij.nl)

  "I was actively involved in IEA EBC Annex 75 Energy Flexible Buildings and I'm looking for parties interested in a follow-up project on 1. Energy Flexible Communities and 2. DSM in district heating networks." (Erwin Mlecnik - TU Delft - e.mlecnik@tudelft.nl)

  "At Stedin, we are actively seeking flexibility from customers in any form, so that we can understand the flexibility within our grid and incorporate it into our calculations. Residential and office buildings account for a significant portion of our connections, and that's why I'm looking for parties that aggregate flexibility in these types of connections." (Niels Poiesz - Stedin - niels.poiesz@stedin.net)

  "I'm looking for parties interested in practical/applied research in the field of flexible or deferred (DC) charging, in collaboration with other projects testing a charging system at The Green Village." (Lidewij van Trigt - The Green Village - lidewij.vantrigt@thegreenvillage.org)

  "We are a partner in ConnectSME, a project where we aim to test and demonstrate technology developed by SMEs in living labs. We are looking for SMEs in the southern Netherlands interested in testing and demonstrating their smart charging technology in the Thor Park living lab. A limited set of vouchers is available for SMEs through the project. More information: https://tinyurl.com/ConnectSME" (Annick Vastiau - VITO/EnergyVille - annick.vastiau@vito.be)