top of page

From cost block to competitive advantage: electricity, heat & mobility in a network

How to create visibility, correctly dimension generation and distribution, optimize with EMS and §14a, smooth with batteries and thermal storage – and achieve measurable KPIs through sector coupling.


ree

TL;DR


  • Results before technology: Decisions based on KPI & payback (€/MWh_el, €/MWh_th, peaks, COP/JAZ, own consumption, CO₂).

  • Holistic: Make visible → Generate → Distribute → Optimize (EMS, §14a, PPA vs. Spot) → Store (BESS & thermal) → Sector coupling (heat) .

  • Pace: Quick check (2 weeks) → pilot (≤ 12 weeks) → scaling roadmap (board/bank ready).


Why many projects fail – and how to avoid it


Decisions rarely fail due to technology, but rather due to a lack of business case. Without load profiles (electricity & heat), peak analysis, and a clear tariff/procurement strategy, projects are oversized, decisions are made too late, or not at all. The result: higher €/MWh, unnecessary peaks, and missed funding windows.


1) Make it visible: measure, understand, prioritize


  • Measurement concept: RLM/15-min profile, submeter for main consumers, heat load profiles (flow/return/temperature).

  • KPIs: €/MWh_el, €/MWh_th, peak load (kW), self-consumption, COP/JAZ, CO₂ intensity.

  • Risks: Power prices, reactive power, voltage level, grid charges, peak loads due to processes/shifts.


2) Generation: PV, heat pump, process heat & waste heat utilization


  • Dimensioning PV correctly: The goal is high self-consumption, not maximum kWp.

  • Heat: heat pump (temperature levels, sources/sinks), process heat, waste heat utilization, possibly CHP only as transition/residual load.

  • Procurement: PPA vs. Spot – Decide based on location, define risk/pricing strategy.


3) Distributing: Electrical networks & hydraulics under control


  • Electrical: internal networks, selectivity, medium voltage (10/20 kV) if necessary – optimise losses and power prices.

  • Hydraulics: buffer storage, spread, flow/return, control valves, circulation; thermal quality is determined by the seasonal performance factor.

  • Charging infrastructure (OCPP): depot/workplace, load management, charging window (daytime charging).


4) Optimize: EMS, §14a, tariff logic


  • EMS rules: Avoid export, peak limits, priorities (PV→Load→BESS→Grid).

  • §14a strategy: Use grid benefits instead of fearing them – plan restrictions, leverage tariff advantages.

  • PPA vs. spot: mixed portfolio, hedging logic, thresholds; monthly/seasonal strategy.


5) Storage: Battery & thermal storage


  • BESS: Peak shaving, PV midday bridge, emergency power/UPS options; dimensioning in hours, not just kW.

  • Thermal: Buffer/heat/cold storage smooths peak loads; favorable kWh_th with proper hydraulics.

  • Economic efficiency: Arbitrage is an added value – the core is KPI improvement (peaks, self-consumption, COP/JAZ).


6) Sector coupling: electricity ↔ heat ↔ mobility


  • Practical logic: PV midday → bring forward heat pump & cooling → bundle depot charging → BESS only selectively.

  • Consider KPIs together: €/MWh_el & €/MWh_th, COP/JAZ, peaks, self-consumption, CO₂.

  • Roadmap: Link shift schedules/process windows to energy availability (without jeopardizing productivity).


What is realistic – neutral corridors instead of desired figures


Without location data, fixed values are unreliable. Based on project experience, the following ranges are realistic – details will be provided in the quick check (2 weeks).


  • Production (without PV assumption): €/MWh −10–20%, peaks −15–25%, payback 3–6 years.

  • Logistics (without PV input): €/MWh -10–18%, peaks -15–25%; with PV/depot charging: self-consumption (PV) typically +20–35 percentage points.


Your roadmap: Quick-Check → Pilot → Scaling (with price indications)


We deliberately start lean and numbers-based – and quickly bring you to robust decisions and measurable results.


  • Quick Check (2 weeks, fixed price): €7,900–€12,900 plus VAT (depending on complexity) – Electricity & heat load profile, risks, 3 options with payback range; 1–2 page board template.

  • Pilot (≤ 12 weeks): €39,000–79,000 plus VAT (excluding hardware) – Metering concept (RLM/submeter), EMS rules, §14a, PPA/spot; monthly KPIs (€/MWh_el/th, peaks, self-consumption, COP/JAZ, CO₂).

  • Scaling roadmap (board template): €24,000–€49,000 plus VAT (depending on scope) – financing/leasing/funding, rollout, governance, KPI cockpit, tendering/suppliers.


Note: Price indications are for guidance only and depend on the scope, location specifics, and desired depth. We would be happy to provide a suitable quote.


Next step


If you want to get started today, the Quick Check is the fastest way to reliable figures. Book a 15-minute appointment or send us your contact form – we'll usually get back to you within 24 hours with the process.


→ CTA: Request a quick check (Contact/Calendly)


 
 
bottom of page