We implemented a comprehensive smart energy management system.
We will integrate a BESS that helps stabilise the grid and prevent blackouts.
We paved the way for other sustainability initiatives like electrifying their fleet.
Veolia is a leader in ecological transformation with a strong commitment to reducing their emissions. As part of this commitment, they wanted to enhance the sustainability of their site in Genk, where waste is sorted and pressed for transport. Veolia needed a solution that could manage their solar energy efficiently, seamlessly integrate with their existing infrastructure, and navigate the complexities of grid regulations.
Veolia’s Genk site is now on track for a major sustainability boost. Our smart energy management system will help them stabilise their operations and cut energy costs by making the most of their solar power. It has also laid the groundwork for other sustainability-focused initiatives, such as electrifying their truck fleet.
We partnered with
We began by reviewing Veolia's existing energy study to thoroughly understand their energy consumers, sources, and how these communicate. This helped us to map the future needs on their current infrastructure, and what needed to be added or reworked.
As part of the analysis, our E&I team updated Veolia's electrical diagrams to integrate the new components and delivered a complete set of technical documentation. We included a cable list, IO list, network diagrams and single-line diagrams for the grid operator, and various suggested improvements for Veolia's current energy cabinets.
To meet Veolia's energy management needs, we implemented a smart control system featuring a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). This system intelligently regulates the solar power system's output and serves as the critical interface between Veolia's site and Fluvius, the grid operator.
This connection empowers Fluvius to remotely disconnect or regulate solar production, preventing grid congestion and ensuring a balanced energy flow. Finally, the system also ensures compliance with the industry-wide regulations as defined by Synergrid.
For this project, we used Phoenix Contact hardware and software, specifically their MINT system based on PLCnext. Their innovative solutions provided us with a robust foundation, which we then customised to fit Veolia’s needs at their Genk site.
After all, Industry 4.0 is all about working smarter, not harder. It makes much more sense to take something that’s already proven to work and adapt it, rather than starting from scratch every time.
Starting in 2025, the next project phase will involve installing a one-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This will boost Veolia's cost-efficiency by enabling them to "buy low and sell high" with their energy – charging the battery when prices are low and supplying energy back to the grid when demand (and prices) are high.
However, there's more to Veolia's energy storage than maximising ROI. Our smart control system will also help to stabilise the electricity grid, an increasingly important function as solar and EV adoption grows. The system's RTU actively responds to grid conditions to prevent blackouts and maintain overall stability.
By orchestrating the solar panels, the BESS, and the connection to the power grid, the smart system also helps Veolia to prepare for future sustainability upgrades like electrifying their truck fleet. For example, consider the impact of 15 trucks plugging in to charge simultaneously on the site's energy infrastructure. Our system will intelligently manage demand, ensuring the trucks are fully charged without disrupting the site's overall energy stability.
By combining advanced smart automation and robust E&I design, we've helped Veolia significantly enhance their sustainability efforts at the Genk site. Our customised approach to cutting-edge Phoenix Contact solutions ensures that Veolia can efficiently manage their energy resources and contribute more green energy to the grid.
As Veolia continues to innovate and lead the way in ecological transformation, we will support them with various other initiatives across their sites. We're excited to see where this partnership will take us next!
Ready to take your Industry 4.0 initiatives to the next level? Contact us today and let's make it happen together.
