Renewable business cases are under growing pressure in the Netherlands, as shown in a recent KPMG study. Developers of wind and solar assets can employ a co-location model to strengthen their business cases. Such a model pairs renewable energy assets with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) behind a single grid connection. A strong example is PowerField’s co-located PV and BESS site in Wanneperveen, the Netherlands.
Photos and videos: PowerField
2024 - present
PowerField is a producer of renewable energy. Their site in Wanneperveen combines a 28 MWp solar park with a 21 MW / 52 MWh battery system, at its completion in 2024, the country’s largest of its kind. The assets are actively traded by PowerField on the Dutch Day-Ahead and Intraday markets, as well as ancillary markets aFRR and FCR.
Co-locations like PowerField’s Wanneperveen site require a highly integrated approach for efficient renewable asset management. For such a site, a large amount of optimization parameters – such as available grid capacity, real-time market prices, and PV output – need to be balanced simultaneously. STELLAR, Spectral’s next generation Energy Management and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform, delivers exactly that: seamless coordination between assets, optimizers and markets.
Supported by STELLAR’s integrations with Dutch TSO TenneT, PowerField also achieved its Balancing Service Provider (BSP) status. The Wanneperveen site now participates in both the FCR and aFFR markets, further adding new revenue streams. “Our role as the VPP-software provider is crucial in harnessing the full potential of the Wanneperveen site,” concludes Philip Gladek, CEO of Spectral.
Trading with energy assets behind a single grid access point requires complex coordination, optimization and multi-vendor integration of several assets. A complex task, which – if not done right – immediately creates risks for revenue and operational reliability. STELLAR takes on that task, enabling PowerField to enter the energy market.
Through STELLAR, PowerField applies it’s co-location optimization algorithm directly to the Wanneperveen site. The algorithm ensures each asset delivers optimal value, trading where flexibility is needed most and when it’s most profitable. Additionally, PowerField uses STELLAR’s advanced imbalance price forecast to further optimize its algorithm to the site specifics.
Based on PowerField’s market trading actions, STELLAR sends control signals to the relevant assets, ensuring they operate safely within grid limits and physical constraints. As a result, market dynamics and grid constraints are tackled most cost-effectively, with increased profitability and lower operational cost due to STELLAR’s automation.
The Wanneperveen site shows how STELLAR supports renewable energy business cases for both independent power producers and energy traders. In the words of Eelco Rondhuis, Head of Energy Management at PowerField:
“Wanneperveen offers valuable lessons in optimizing the performance of co-located PV an BESS. The collaboration between PowerField and Spectral sets a new standard for future projects aiming to enhance grid reliability and support the energy transition.”
See how STELLAR enables profitable PV–BESS co-location behind a single grid connection. Schedule a free demo to assess revenue potential, market access and grid constraints for your assets.
