As the world undergoes a rapid transformation towards a more sustainable future, Sweden is at the forefront of this change. The country has long been a leader in transitioning its energy mix to become more sustainable as well as renewable. We want to be the world’s first fossil-free welfare nation. However, with a generally growing population and the ambition to electrify society in the fight against the climate crisis, the demand for electricity has increased. This, in combination with the green transition, means an increased dependence on energy sources whose electricity production is difficult to predict and adjust as the weather plays a central role. This development means that Sweden is in need of new innovative solutions to become more flexible in the energy sector. This is where Peak Energy can be a part of the solution.
Sweden’s Current Energy Mix
In Sweden, solar and wind power are growing the most among energy sources, currently accounting for approximately 2% and 20% of Sweden’s electricity production, respectively. These are green and renewable energy sources, but are dependent on the availability of sun and wind, which means large variations from season, day and hour. This is challenging as the energy source isn’t controllable, which in turn means that it’s less flexible and can’t change its production after the demands of the system. Nuclear power, which accounts for about 30% of electricity production, is a significant part, but is not flexible in its production and is therefore operated at the same effect, around 6000 MW, around the clock. Based on the current situation, it looks like it is through the expansion of these three power sources that the future electricity needs will be met and none of them can easily and quickly adjust their production as needed.
In such a landscape, flexibility is key. Being able to quickly adapt to changes in the supply and demand for energy is crucial. This is where the need for innovative flexible services comes into the picture.
Frequency Regulation
Electricity must be consumed at the same time as it is used, which means that the system becomes unbalanced when either too much or too little is produced compared to consumption. This leads to an increase or decrease in the frequency of the electrical grid. It’s important that Sweden maintains a standard frequency of 50 Hz for electricity to effectively travel through the electrical grid to the end user. Adjusting the frequency is called “frequency regulation” and is done by using reserves that add or remove production as needed, like for example FCR-D or FCR-N. These reserves can be seen as Svenska Kraftnät’s, who takes care of the electrical grid, toolbox, with different criteria and properties in order to maintain or restore to 50 Hz. A certain amount of each tool/reserve must be purchased by Svenska Kraftnät for each hour so that they have the resources they need. A large part of the reserves come from hydropower due to its flexibility and control of its own production, but come much less from nuclear power or wind power as they are hard to adjust rapidly when needed. Frequency regulation could be a lucrative market, especially as a minimum amount must be bought for every hour.
Peak Energy is part of the solution
One innovative solution is to use cars in frequency regulation to help the grid. A society needs to use its resources efficiently, especially batteries which are made of rare metals. Cars are just sitting in a parking lot most of the day, not being utilized to the fullest. Peak Energy wants to change this by using the car battery’s capacity when it’s not being used to help the grid.
Peak Energy provides opportunities for smarter than smart charging. We use more information from your car such as the state of charge of the battery and more data on the electricity price. Then we can adapt the charging to the conditions, which gives the best charging for your car and your needs. Even better than the regular smart charging, meaning even cheaper charging.
Peak Energy is always looking for new ways to better your charging sessions. This includes the use of the car battery as a reserve to the electrical grid in frequency regulation, especially FCR-D up. As the industry develops, it will also make it possible to use FCR-D down. These support services are the most lucrative as Svenska kraftnät has to buy large amounts of electricity capacity for each hour, especially FCR-D. This means even cheaper charging as your battery is used to its maximum potential. Helping the grid, society and your wallet at the same time!
Advantages of Peak Energy:
- Smarter “Smart Charging”: Uses more information from the battery and energy prices to provide more efficient charging than both regular and smart charging.
- More control: You get more control over your own charging. You decide yourself when and how you charge your car.
- Cheaper charging: More efficient charging means cheaper charging.
- Reserves: Possibility to help the electrical grid while getting paid.