Odot
Odot will lower your energy costs using a unique procurement model supported by AI and innovative software. Our knowledge of the energy market will ensure that you benefit from the most advantageous tariffs, continuous price monitoring and a contract to suit your requirements.
Numerous companies have contacted us in recent months to ask about participating in Energy Sharing, an initiative that can significantly reduce energy costs. However, Chris Elbers, CEO of Odot, emphasizes that the potential benefits do not always live up to expectations. He explains: “Energy sharing is a brilliant concept, but in practice it often turns out to be just a drop in the ocean for many companies."
However, let’s first take a closer look first at what Energy Sharing actually means. Launched at the beginning of 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 residual volumes across 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” via the Fluvius website.
Chris Elbers stresses the importance of reliable information: “We have noticed that companies do not receive adequate information about the details of Energy Sharing. Factors such as production times and offtake volumes must be carefully matched to prevent a large share of surplus power being lost and returned to the grid rather than shared with other parties within the Energy Community. There are numerous aspects to consider."
The following five crucial aspects should be kept in mind with Energy Sharing:
1. Limited to Flanders:
Always remember that Energy Sharing is a Flemish concept, which means that you can only create an Energy Community with parties based on Flemish territory. Sharing surplus power between a Flemish site and sites in Wallonia or Brussels is not possible.
2. Quarter hour level:
Energy sharing is performed in real-time at quarter hour level. This means that there must be a surplus of energy in one location and a need for energy in another location during exactly the same quarter of an hour. Inadequate coordination can lead to loss of excess power.
3. Preliminary analysis:
Before participating in Energy Sharing, it is essential to perform a thorough analysis of the different consumption profiles, which will help to determine which locations qualify and which cost savings can be made. Odot uses a proprietary tool to perform these analyses to enable you to estimate potential returns.
4. Digital (smart) or tele reading meters required:
Energy sharing requires digital or tele reading (AMR) meters, as they can measure consumption down to quarter hour level. Sites with annual or monthly readings have to 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 have to make certain changes to their systems to facilitate this. Moreover, energy suppliers may charge extra for the meters required for Energy Sharing.
To find out whether your company qualifies for Energy Sharing, use the following CHECKLIST :
☑️ The locations you want to share with must be located in Flanders.
☑️ During periods when you have a surplus, there must be a demand for electricity at the other locations.
☑️ The locations you want to share with must have digital (smart) or tele reading (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 maximum benefits. If you are considering setting up an Energy Community, it is advisable to first perform an in-depth analysis and take all the necessary steps to ensure that you can successfully implement Energy Sharing and reap the benefits.