Developers are increasingly confronted with overcrowded energy networks in new projects. In recent years, more and more solar panels have been installed at holiday parks, but they mainly supply a lot of power on sunny days. Storage of energy in a battery is currently a fairly expensive solution. We asked Seijsener Recreatietechniek about their vision on a smart electrical infrastructure for (new) holiday parks.
How pressing is the problem of energy shortage at the moment?
Anyone who currently wants to start a large-scale project (new construction or expansion) in the Netherlands will most likely have to deal with 'grid congestion'; The electricity distributor networks have become overcrowded and there is no longer room for large new connections. Most of the Netherlands is currently on code red (no connection options) or orange (no transport capacity available for the time being).
For the current status, see: https://capaciteitskaart.netbeheernederland.nl/
The congestion is caused, among other things, by making many energy supplies gas-free and the rise of sustainable energy (including sun and wind), which often also results in return deliveries of energy to the network. This is a very brief explanation of the background to this problem, on which several lengthy reports have now been published.
The network operators are now working hard to solve the capacity problems. But given the complexity of the infrastructure, a solution may take several years.
What does this mean for recreation companies?
We ask Johan Steur, head of field sales at Seijsener Techniek
Are many projects in the recreation sector already 'on hold' due to grid congestion?
Johan Steur: “Yes, certainly. New projects and existing holiday parks that want to develop further are often delayed by these problems. Entrepreneurs must then look for solutions to continue doing business with the network operator's limited capacity. There are certainly options for this, but they must of course be financially feasible. And that doesn't always work.”
Can solar panels in combination with batteries provide a (technical) solution?
Johan Steur: “Absolutely. This combination can certainly be the solution in many cases. But in most cases, a network connection is still required to fill the batteries when the solar panels have no output. In addition, we experience that in winter, when there is no yield from the solar panels and energy consumption (due to heating) is high, a generator is sometimes necessary in addition to the grid connection to cope with short peaks. All in all, always tailor-made.”
Is an investment in batteries profitable?
Johan Steur: “The solution of an energy system with solar panels and batteries is currently a necessary solution for companies confronted with grid congestion. Once the networks are in order again, purchasing your own battery investment is not really technically interesting at the moment. This may change in the future if the purchase price of the batteries decreases. You can already see that development taking place. In addition, the price of energy naturally has a major influence on this.
There is therefore usually no payback model for saving energy costs for the investment. The batteries also have a limited lifespan, depending on the chosen version.”
Can you also use car batteries to realize (part of) the storage?
Johan Steur: “You see this solution emerging in private homes with their own electric car in front of the door. Modern charging stations are already suitable for this. They can make their own assessment of the battery capacity they will need the next morning. However, I don't see that model being applied to a holiday park yet. The interests between entrepreneur and guest are too different for that.”
Does the use of a battery fit into sustainable business operations?
Johan Steur: “Oh, I think that's a difficult question. I'm not going to give you an answer to that. Our government certainly thinks so.”
What infrastructure do you need today to create a good grid for the network and your own sustainable energy?
Johan Steur: “We have already discussed many of these matters. My experience is that every situation, but also every entrepreneur, is different. And that also makes it fun to work on this matter!
If I summarize it briefly, I come to the following:
– What capacity can the grid operator provide? Due to grid congestion, grid operators often do not want to supply more than 3x80A.
– What capacity does the holiday home need and what choice can and do you want to make?
- Which heating system
- Which hot spring
- Electric cooking 1 phase or 2 phase
- Car charging point at the home or centrally
- What other equipment
– Which external energy sources can and do you want to add?
- Think of solar panels, batteries, wind turbines or a generator
- Do you choose a central or decentralized arrangement of these energy sources?
– What can you do about peak shaving/energy management with your installation. By smart switching of equipment, the (peak) load, but also consumption, can be kept low.
With thanks to (knowledge expert): Johan Steur, head of field sales at Seijsener
Seijsener has years of experience in the construction of the infrastructure of holiday parks, campsites and marinas, among others. Part of this is the infrastructure for energy supply. Because Seijsener's advisors work together with entrepreneurs in the recreation sector, they are perfectly aware of the problems surrounding network congestion. Together with the companies, they look for a practical solution, with an eye for the cost aspect, but which also contributes to future-oriented business operations.
More information: www.seijsener.com