Schneider Electric Industrial Electrification Europe Project Shows Progress Despite Grid Constraints
Schneider Electric, AVEVA and Royal Avebe showcased a working model for industrial electrification at a production site in the Netherlands, despite grid capacity limits.
At Avebe’s Foxhol plant, the companies implemented an electrification strategy without upgrading the existing grid connection. The project introduced an electric boiler to replace fossil fuel heating and enabled the facility to operate as an energy prosumer while staying within grid limits.
The system integrates over 1,000 data points, including 542 smart relays, to monitor and manage energy use in real time. It adjusts electrical loads based on grid demand and absorbs surplus renewable energy when available, supporting grid stability.
The initiative addresses challenges such as long grid connection wait times, which can reach up to 10 years in the Netherlands, where over 14,000 businesses are waiting for access.
The project supports Avebe’s goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 and improving energy efficiency annually. It also provides a scalable model for industrial decarbonization across Europe.
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