In recent months, numerous companies have turned to us to ask if they can participate in Energy Sharing, an initiative that can significantly reduce energy costs. However, Chris Elbers, CEO of Odot, stresses that the potential benefits do not always live up to expectations. He explains: "Energy sharing is a wonderful concept, but in practice it turns out to be just a drop in the bucket for many companies."
But first, let's understand what Energy Sharing actually means. Launched early this year by the Flemish Government, this innovative concept allows companies to share local surplus power from their own production with other sites or companies. Previously, excess energy was simply fed back into the grid. Now companies can distribute these remaining volumes to other locations where energy is still needed.
The distribution of surplus power can be done on a percentage basis or according to specific sequences, and the distribution keys can be determined when setting up an "Energy Community" through the Fluvius website.
Chris Elbers stresses the importance of good information: "We find that companies are insufficiently informed about the details of Energy Sharing. Factors such as production times and offtake volumes need to be carefully coordinated to avoid a large portion of surplus power being lost and put back on the grid rather than shared with other parties within the Energy Community. There are numerous aspects to consider."
Here are five crucial things to keep in mind with Energy Sharing:
1. Limited to Flanders:
It is essential to remember that Energy Sharing is a Flemish concept. This means that you can only set up an Energy Community with parties located on Flemish territory. Sharing surplus power between a Flemish site and sites in Wallonia or Brussels is not possible.
2. Quarter level:
Energy sharing is done in real time at the quarter-hour level. This means that at exactly the same quarter-hour, there must be a surplus at one location and a need for energy at another. Insufficient matching can lead to loss of power surpluses.
3. Preliminary analysis:
Before participating in Energy Sharing, it is critical to conduct a thorough analysis of different consumption profiles. This helps determine which locations qualify and how much cost savings you can make. At Odot, we use a proprietary tool to perform these analyses so you can estimate the potential returns.
4. Digital (smart) or tele-read meters required:
Energy Communities requires digital or tele-read (AMR) meters because these meters measure consumption down to the quarter-hour level. Sites with annual or monthly readings must replace their meters to participate in an Energy Community.
5. Choice of energy supplier:
It is important to notify your energy supplier of your intention to participate in Energy Sharing. Some suppliers must make certain adjustments to their systems to make this possible. In addition, energy suppliers may charge extra for the meters required for Energy Sharing.
To determine if your business qualifies for Energy Sharing, use this CHECKLIST:
☑️ The locations you want to share with must be in Flanders.
☑️ During the times when you have surpluses, there must be a need for electricity at the other locations.
☑️ The locations you want to share with must have digital (smart) or teleread (AMR) meters.
☑️ Your energy supplier and energy contract must be Energy Sharing compatible.
Energy Sharing is a promising concept, but it requires careful planning and coordination to realize the maximum benefits. If you are considering establishing an Energy Community, it is advisable to first conduct a thorough analysis and take all necessary steps to ensure that you can successfully implement Energy Sharing and reap the benefits.
Odot reduces your energy costs through a unique procurement model, supported by AI and innovative software. Our knowledge of the energy market, assures you the most advantageous rates, continuous price tracking and a contract that suits you.
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In recent months, numerous companies have turned to us to ask if they can participate in Energy Sharing, an initiative that can significantly reduce energy costs. However, Chris Elbers, CEO of Odot, stresses that the potential benefits do not always live up to expectations. He explains: "Energy sharing is a wonderful concept, but in practice it turns out to be just a drop in the bucket for many companies."
But first, let's understand what Energy Sharing actually means. Launched early this year by the Flemish Government, this innovative concept allows companies to share local surplus power from their own production with other sites or companies. Previously, excess energy was simply fed back into the grid. Now companies can distribute these remaining volumes to other locations where energy is still needed.
The distribution of surplus power can be done on a percentage basis or according to specific sequences, and the distribution keys can be determined when setting up an "Energy Community" through the Fluvius website.
Chris Elbers stresses the importance of good information: "We find that companies are insufficiently informed about the details of Energy Sharing. Factors such as production times and offtake volumes need to be carefully coordinated to avoid a large portion of surplus power being lost and put back on the grid rather than shared with other parties within the Energy Community. There are numerous aspects to consider."
Here are five crucial things to keep in mind with Energy Sharing:
1. Limited to Flanders:
It is essential to remember that Energy Sharing is a Flemish concept. This means that you can only set up an Energy Community with parties located on Flemish territory. Sharing surplus power between a Flemish site and sites in Wallonia or Brussels is not possible.
2. Quarter level:
Energy sharing is done in real time at the quarter-hour level. This means that at exactly the same quarter-hour, there must be a surplus at one location and a need for energy at another. Insufficient matching can lead to loss of power surpluses.
3. Preliminary analysis:
Before participating in Energy Sharing, it is critical to conduct a thorough analysis of different consumption profiles. This helps determine which locations qualify and how much cost savings you can make. At Odot, we use a proprietary tool to perform these analyses so you can estimate the potential returns.
4. Digital (smart) or tele-read meters required:
Energy Communities requires digital or tele-read (AMR) meters because these meters measure consumption down to the quarter-hour level. Sites with annual or monthly readings must replace their meters to participate in an Energy Community.
5. Choice of energy supplier:
It is important to notify your energy supplier of your intention to participate in Energy Sharing. Some suppliers must make certain adjustments to their systems to make this possible. In addition, energy suppliers may charge extra for the meters required for Energy Sharing.
To determine if your business qualifies for Energy Sharing, use this CHECKLIST:
☑️ The locations you want to share with must be in Flanders.
☑️ During the times when you have surpluses, there must be a need for electricity at the other locations.
☑️ The locations you want to share with must have digital (smart) or teleread (AMR) meters.
☑️ Your energy supplier and energy contract must be Energy Sharing compatible.
Energy Sharing is a promising concept, but it requires careful planning and coordination to realize the maximum benefits. If you are considering establishing an Energy Community, it is advisable to first conduct a thorough analysis and take all necessary steps to ensure that you can successfully implement Energy Sharing and reap the benefits.