Goal: to ensure project continues after approval, and in the event of changes in the roles of project partners
NO-GIZMOS
In 2021, a consortium launched a project to find a partial solution to reduce grid congestion. This consortium consisted of battery supplier iwell, grid operator Enexis, energy cooperative EnergieKAnsen, software company CGI, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, and Eindhoven University of Technology. The project was called NO-GIZMOS (Grid Optimization for Large-Scale Integration of Solar and Wind Using Storage and Software).
Relieve the medium-voltage grid
The goal of the NO-GIZMOS project is to reduce the pressure on the medium-voltage grid (e.g., a neighborhood transformer) by controlling home batteries, which are then connected to the low-voltage grid. The installed batteries are controlled by a software platform connected to the Enexis grid. Based on the grid conditions, the home batteries are charged and discharged.
Ready to go?
We set up the project and secured a grant application for the MOOI program. The project was officially scheduled to begin in early 2022. However, in the meantime, a situation arose where the intended lead partner no longer had the (staffing) capacity to fully assume the lead partner role. This meant that the chair and project management had to be handled by another party.
Long story short: although the consortium secured a highly competitive grant, the project was in danger of failing before it even began.
Enablemi’s role
We guided the consortium through this phase in finding a solution, acting as a facilitator. Iwell stepped in as the new lead partner, but logically needed additional funding to fulfill that role. However, it wasn’t so simple to simply shuffle budgets, as different grant amounts applied to different partners, and therefore different funding requirements.
That’s why we worked hard to find a financial solution while preserving the full subsidy budget and ensuring sufficient funding. Acting as an intermediary, we were able to secure additional co-financing. After a lengthy administrative process, the project was finally able to proceed on time, in a new format.
Long-term cooperation
We’re still involved in the project and are handling compliance. Because the project partners are each fulfilling their roles effectively, the project is running smoothly. As we speak, the first batteries are being installed!
Enablemi provided excellent support for the NO-GIZMOS project. Their expertise in compliance and project administration, particularly during the transition of the project lead, was critical. The approach is transparent, efficient, and client-focused. Their commitment is highly valued, and the collaboration has been very satisfactory.
Vincent Ruijter, Co-founder iwell
Contribution to the following Sustainable Development Goals
The win-win-impact of NO-GIZMOS
The NO-GIZMOS project makes an impact in several ways.
For the grid operator, this project is a nice addition to their arsenal of instruments that contribute to reducing grid congestion – which is a huge problem.
For iwell and CGI, this project presents a new opportunity as aggregators and congestion service providers. And for EnergieKAnsen, this project offers the chance to move forward with one of its planned solar farms.
Hanze University of Applied Sciences and TU/e can conduct innovative research in various areas. For example, on participation in the energy transition and on optimization algorithms for grid operations that increase grid capacity.
And most importantly: this project contributes to the energy transition and climate goals. Now that’s a win-win!
