Battery storage system makes Agrico Research flexible and energy-neutral

Construction of the new facilities at Agrico Research is progressing rapidly. So far, only one issue has required additional attention: limited electricity grid capacity, preventing an upgrade. With the purchase of a three-module battery storage system, this constraint now appears to have been resolved, which will allow the new laboratory to operate at full capacity. In the long term, this investment is also expected to deliver lasting financial benefits.

The battery storage system has been located between the new facilities and the greenhouses.

At the outset of the construction project at Agrico Research, no concerns were identified: the grid upgrade was expected to be completed well before the new laboratories and offices were finished. However, when grid operator Liander announced last year that the requested increase in connection capacity would be postponed to 2027, and later even to 2030, the search for an alternative energy solution began in earnest. That search proved far from straightforward.

Diesel generator

Initially, due to the high cost of batteries, attention turned to investing in a diesel generator. “We were on the verge of making that purchase, when battery prices dropped significantly in a short period,” explains project manager Manfred Schleper. “That brought them to roughly the same price as a diesel generator for our energy needs.” 

The decision was then easy, as a battery is far cleaner and more sustainable than a diesel generator and, just as importantly, significantly cheaper to operate. “A generator like the one needed easily consumes 15 to 20 litres of diesel per hour. By contrast, we can charge the battery storage system with our own surplus electricity during the evenings and at night.”

Agrico Research partnered with Friday Energy and Emmeloord-based Trusteel for the project. The first step was to map the breeding company’s energy demand by analysing consumption over the past two years, combined with an estimate of the new laboratory’s energy requirements. Based on these data, a battery storage system with a capacity of 700 kWh was recommended.

With this capacity, Agrico Research expects to operate energy-neutrally. “During the day, between 08:00 hours and 17:00 hours, we have an electricity deficit, which we cover using the batteries. In the evenings and at night, consumption is minimal, allowing the batteries to recharge. The solar energy that is generated but not used over the weekend is also stored in the batteries.”

Payback

According to Manfred, the battery storage system is expected to pay for itself within approximately five years. If the grid upgrade is completed around 2030 (though Manfred remains cautious about the achievability of that timeframe), the battery storage system will generate even greater savings for Agrico. “We can charge when electricity is cheap, and discharge when prices are high and use it ourselves, taking less electricity from the grid. That’s a strong cost strategy.”

But a further benefit exists, he adds. “We can also trade electricity ourselves: our dynamic energy contract allows us to feed excess energy back into the grid when prices are high, and purchase electricity when prices are lower.” This means that a challenge has effectively turned into an opportunity. “If the grid constraints hadn’t existed and the upgrade had been completed last year, we wouldn’t have invested in batteries. Yes, it was an investment of around Euro 250,000, but it will pay for itself within a few years, after which it becomes a revenue model.”

The batteries are equipped with an energy management system through which the buying and selling of electricity is carried out and managed. “This system allows us to configure everything to optimise the purchase and sale of electricity.” 

Example of a battery storage system like the one installed at Agrico Research.

Three modules

The battery storage system is modular, consisting of three interconnected modules that are expected to meet all of Agrico Research’s energy needs. “If we unexpectedly require more electricity, we can easily add another module. Preparations have already been made, so we can scale up quickly if necessary.” The new laboratory will be heated by electricity, while the greenhouses will continue to be heated using conventional boilers. Heating the greenhouses with electricity is currently not feasible. “Using heat pumps for the greenhouses would significantly increase our electricity demand, and therefore our costs. That cannot be covered with the current battery investment alone. For that, an upgrade of the connection capacity is required.” 

The batteries have been installed in accordance with the latest safety standards and are located between the new facilities and Agrico Research’s greenhouses. They are equipped with internal fire suppression systems and safety controls: if temperature differences between the battery cells within an individual module exceed 2 degrees, the system shuts down automatically.

Manfred sees this as a win-win situation. “It gives us the flexibility we need while avoiding additional emissions.” 

The alternative, diesel generators, would have been installed close to Agrico Research’s offices. To prevent staff from being exposed to exhaust gases, a 12-metre-high chimney would have been required alongside the diesel generators and fuel tank.

Arable farming

With his experience at Agrico Research in mind, Manfred points to the potential for arable farms. “Many growers have solar panels on their roofs, or purchase energy through dynamic market contracts. The drawback for them is that most of the solar energy is generated at times when they don’t need it. It might be worth them considering storing this energy and using it later, or selling it when prices are high, provided they have a feed-in contract. 

In addition, growers can charge their batteries during the winter months when electricity prices are favourable, allowing discharge for cooling or other activities to be optimally managed at the lowest possible cost. It may therefore be worthwhile arable farmers exploring whether battery storage is financially viable for their business.