Across the European Union, industry is being squeezed by rising energy prices and increasing grid stress, putting competitiveness and growth at risk. High network charges that are often based on annual peak loads can generate enormous costs triggered by just a few consumption spikes. At the same time, growing electrification and the decline of conventional power generation call for smarter ways to ensure supply stability and cost efficiency.
Managing peaks before they happen
Technologies such as energy storage allow operators to optimise their operations through peak shaving and load management, significantly reducing or even eliminating these effects. Peak shaving means intercepting demand spikes by storing energy during off-peak periods and releasing it when consumption peaks. This not only cuts costs through lower grid fees but also stabilises the network by preventing overloads. For example, batteries charge when prices are low or solar generation is high and discharge during peak periods. Intelligent battery management systems control charging and discharging cycles to minimise costs and improve supply security.
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Decarbonisation meets competitiveness
For medium-sized and large industrial companies in the EU, such applications are not just cost-optimisation tools – they are pillars of long-term competitiveness. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar already help reduce peak loads by supplementing conventional power plants and lowering the need for fossil-based peak generation. Combined with energy storage, they add crucial value by balancing fluctuations and increasing grid flexibility. Smart demand response, namely adapting consumption to supply, enhances these effects further. Together, these approaches strengthen Europe’s industrial sustainability while addressing challenges such as deindustrialisation, energy security and the energy transition.
Practice in action: A hybrid solar-storage power system
A compelling example of innovative industrial energy solutions comes from the Elevion Group. The company implemented a hybrid solar and storage system for steel specialist Mouw Hoedliggers, a producer of large-scale steel structures for construction and bridge building in the Netherlands. Facing a grid bottleneck as the network operator could not provide a larger connection, the company needed an independent solution. The Elevion Group designed a smart, custom system combining photovoltaics and high-performance batteries: 760 solar modules with over 300 kWp capacity were installed on the client’s rooftop, plus two batteries totalling 656 kWh.
The PV system, equipped with five 50 kW Huawei inverters, feeds power directly into production during the day. To further enhance sustainability, Elevion integrated second-life battery energy storage systems (BESS) built from repurposed electric vehicle battery cells. Outside peak hours, the batteries are charged to provide additional energy during intensive production phases. Two batteries rated at 110 kW / 300 kWh and 210 kW / 300 kWh ensure flexible load distribution and reliable energy availability. By intelligently complementing the 304 kW grid capacity, the solution eliminates production constraints.
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Together, these integrated technologies deliver a highly efficient, flexible and sustainable energy system that maximises on-site power use, reduces grid reliance and ensures uninterrupted production, demonstrating how solar and storage solutions can open new possibilities even for businesses with limited grid capacity.
From cost trap to value driver
When solar and storage systems are intelligently combined, they can redefine the economics of industrial energy use. Instead of passive consumers, factories become active participants in balancing the power system, turning volatility into opportunity. As Europe races to strengthen its industrial resilience and meet decarbonisation goals, such solutions could make the difference between retreat and renewal. In a landscape of volatile markets and tight energy supply, smart storage and load management are proving that the best way to survive a power peak is to stay one step ahead of it. (Mariglen Nora/hcn)
