Introduction
The Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with Yokogawa Electric Corporation, is embarking on a groundbreaking pilot project to enhance energy efficiency within its industrial cluster. This initiative aims to coordinate and optimize the utilization of various utilities, including electricity, heat, steam, water, and industrial gases, among participating companies and grid operators. By leveraging data sharing and an orchestration platform, the project seeks to deliver significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
The Power of Collaboration
The pilot project involves up to six companies and two grid operators, working together to optimize energy consumption and exchange. A key component of this collaboration is the secure sharing of data, which will be facilitated by a cloud infrastructure. This data will then be used to drive an orchestration platform, enabling companies to coordinate the use and exchange of utilities.
Commercial Valuation and Trading
To ensure fair and equitable transactions, the project will incorporate a commercial valuation mechanism. The Dutch startup Distro Energy's trading platform will facilitate the evaluation of exchanges between companies and the energy markets. This will create a transparent and efficient marketplace for energy transactions.
A Promising Future
A pre-feasibility study conducted by the Port of Rotterdam and Yokogawa Electric Corporation revealed the potential for significant cost savings through better utility alignment. By optimizing behind-the-meter electricity consumption and coordinating steam production, companies can reduce peak demand, prevent energy wastage, and achieve operational efficiencies.
Overcoming Data Sharing Challenges
The Port of Rotterdam, with its vast industrial ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to facilitate such a collaborative project. However, data sharing has historically been a major barrier due to concerns about confidential information. The "Starlings" project, named after a flock of birds known for their coordinated movements, aims to address this challenge by utilizing a secure cloud data flow infrastructure.
The Pilot Project
The €2 million pilot project is set to commence at the end of 2024 and will run for a year to capture seasonal fluctuations. The project's primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of energy system integration and evaluate its potential benefits.
Learning from Experience
A similar demonstration project in Japan has shown promising results, with the cluster as a whole outperforming individual companies. While some companies achieved savings, others experienced slightly increased costs, highlighting the need for a compensation mechanism.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the Rotterdam pilot project are expected to be available around mid-2025. These results will inform the design of a potential follow-on project, potentially expanding the scope and scale of energy system integration in the port.
Conclusion
The Port of Rotterdam's collaboration with Yokogawa Electric Corporation marks a significant step towards a more efficient and sustainable energy future. By leveraging data sharing, orchestration, and commercial valuation, this pilot project has the potential to transform the way industries operate and interact with energy markets. The success of this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of energy system integration in other regions.
