Demonstrating a novel Energy-as-a-Service solution for industrial sector energy consumers

Introduction

The InnoSolveGreen project will showcase a novel Energy-as-a-Service solution in Lithuania that will enable industrial consumers to meet 100% of their annual electricity needs with cost-effective, locally produced electricity from solar photovoltaic plus storage (PV-plus-storage) systems. The project will encompass two PV-plus-storage systems: one at the site of the selected industrial client and another off-site utility-scale system. The project aims to achieve a 100% relative greenhouse gas (GHG) emission avoidance during the first ten years of operation compared to the reference scenario.

Innovative Elements

The InnoSolveGreen project’s innovative elements are twofold:

1. A novel, zero-investment Energy-as-a-Service business model for industrial consumers that will enable 100% coverage of their annual energy needs with cost-effective, locally produced renewable electricity. The model will diversify revenue streams and enable additional value for both the developer and the final client.

2. An innovative utility-scale PV-plus-storage system design, featuring a novel combination of both Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) connected battery storage systems. This setup will showcase a method for integrating at least 30% more renewables into existing limited capacity electrical grids.

Project Impact

Upon entering into operation, the InnoSolveGreen project will produce approximately 7,442 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity each year and will achieve an estimated total of 16,669 t CO2 equivalent avoidance during the first 10 years of operation, which corresponds to 100% of GHG emissions when compared to the reference scenario.

By offering locally produced, affordable, and clean electricity, the InnoSolveGreen project solution will not only create a pathway for achieving the EU’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050 but will also enhance existing value chains and enable the establishment of new ones.

Contribution to Energy Goals

Furthermore, by showcasing an innovative system design to significantly increase renewables integration into existing limited-capacity electrical grids, the InnoSolveGreen project will also contribute to the goals of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). By using this design solution, renewable asset developers will be empowered to achieve their pipeline targets quicker, and electrical grid operators will benefit from major grid investment deferrals.

Scalability Potential

As the project proposes a novel and highly attractive business model to other renewable asset developers, the InnoSolveGreen project has considerable scalability potential in other European countries. The suggested Energy-as-a-Service solution requires very low initial investments from the industrial energy consumers, which means it has significant capability to be expanded to multiple industries, providing substantial energy cost reductions and the possibility to cover 100% of energy demand using renewable electricity.

The proposed solution might be easily adaptable to country-specific regulatory frameworks and it offers future opportunities for additional services related to energy cost savings and energy supply security.