At WePositive.energy, we are proud to announce that we have successfully won the SBIR grant from the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). The SBIR grant enables us to research solutions for improving the utilization of the low-voltage grid, a crucial step in making our energy landscape more sustainable. Studies show that congestion on the energy network costs the Dutch Economy 10-40 Billion Euros annually. Within the SBIR research we work together the partners ICR3ATE (NL), Scene (UK) & Intelliconnect (US).
What is the SBIR grant?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the RFO is aimed at stimulating innovative solutions to societal challenges. The program supports companies to conduct feasibility studies and develop innovative technologies that make the Netherlands more sustainable and future-proof. Our project fits perfectly with this mission and offers an innovative solution to a growing problem: the overloading of the low-voltage grid.
The challenge: pressure on the low-voltage network
The energy transition is creating a rapidly growing demand for electricity, especially with the ever-increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and domestic battery systems. These devices put enormous strain on the low-voltage grid (local power supply), leading to capacity bottlenecks, potentially resulting in high costs and reduced reliability. Studies indicate that around 1,000 GWh of consumer devices in Europe will be connected to the low-voltage grid by 2030 – this is a huge challenge but also, at the same time, an opportunity to organize local use of energy much better.
Our solution is based on smart energy management using artificial intelligence (AI) and locally generated energy. By optimally controlling EVs, heat pumps and home batteries and integrating energy from renewable sources, we aim to achieve a more robust and flexible grid that can withstand rising demand.
What does this mean for the future?
Our goal is to make the low-voltage grid more flexible, sustainable and future-proof. This feasibility study is the first step toward wider implementation of our smart solutions. By decongesting the grid and distributing energy more effectively, we can not only reduce energy costs, but also pave the way for accelerating the energy transition.
We are excited about this opportunity and believe that this research can make an important contribution to the challenges of the modern energy system. Our vision is that a smart and efficient energy network is not only beneficial for consumers, but also for society as a whole and future generations by contributing to making the Netherlands more sustainable.
Thanks to RFO and our partners
Winning the SBIR grant would not have been possible without the collaboration with ICR3ATE (NL), Scene (UK) & Intelliconnect (US). Together we will work on an innovative solution that is not only technically feasible, but also economically and socially profitable.
Keep following us for more updates on this groundbreaking project and our next steps toward a more sustainable energy grid!