Trollhättan’s energy system is evolving to meet future needs for electricity, power capacity and a secure energy supply. For Trollhättan Energi, this means supporting the city’s growth while using energy resources more efficiently.

Battery storage is part of that development. At the Överby battery storage facility, Anders Martinsson, Business Developer at Trollhättan Energi, explains how new investments and existing assets can complement each other in an energy system that brings electricity, the grid and heating together.

Aire provides forecasting, control and optimization, along with access to energy markets and trading. The partnership combines Trollhättan Energi’s energy system expertise with Aire’s data-driven technology to identify and unlock the potential of its resources.

Electricity, the grid and heating as one integrated system

For an energy utility operating in both electricity and heating, there is significant potential in treating its resources as parts of one integrated system.

Batteries can store electricity and provide fast-response flexibility. Thermal storage offers other opportunities, with large storage volumes at a lower cost. Together with controllable generation and consumption, these resources can create a more efficient energy system.

For Trollhättan Energi, developing the interaction between different resources is therefore essential. New battery storage, wind power and solar power need to be considered alongside existing assets and infrastructure.

This brings a broader perspective to energy optimization: how can each resource contribute, given its technical capabilities, operational needs and market opportunities?

A new role for a 10 MW electric boiler

One concrete example is Trollhättan Energi’s 10 MW electric boiler. The unit was previously mothballed when producing heat with electricity became too expensive.

Together with Aire, Trollhättan Energi is now exploring how the electric boiler can help balance the power system by providing ancillary services.

This opens up a new use for an existing asset. The boiler’s ability to consume electricity and produce heat could make it a flexible resource when the power system needs balancing.

For the utility, this creates an opportunity to generate additional value from existing infrastructure. It also demonstrates the potential of connecting electricity and heating: assets previously assessed primarily for heat production can take on a broader role in the energy system.

From individual assets to coordinated optimization

Optimizing several energy resources together makes decisions more complex. Understanding what an individual asset can do is only part of the picture. It also requires insight into how resources can work together and how market conditions are expected to change.

Anders highlights the shift from optimizing a single asset behind an electricity meter to optimizing several resources behind the same meter.

What opportunities are available over the next 24 hours? How are markets expected to develop? And which decisions will best support the business?

Aire’s data-driven approach informs these decisions. By combining forecasting with optimization and physical asset control, resource use can be planned around both local needs and energy market opportunities.

Forecasting, control and market access in one service

Investing in and operating energy assets is central to Trollhättan Energi’s work. Unlocking those assets’ flexibility also requires technology that connects them to the market.

This is where Aire plays an important role. Forecasting, control, market access and trading are combined in a single service, creating a connected process from decision support to the actual operation of the resources.

For the utility, the partnership complements its own energy system and operational expertise with specialized energy optimization technology. Trollhättan Energi understands its operations and local needs. Aire provides data analysis and tools that turn resource flexibility into market participation.

“None of this would have worked without that kind of service,” says Anders Martinsson, Business Developer at Trollhättan Energi.

A partnership that can evolve with the energy system

As the energy system evolves, new resources, services and applications emerge. Optimization therefore needs to evolve over time as well.

Anders sees significant potential in the continued partnership with Aire. As additional resources and new needs arise, having a partner that can contribute technology and expertise at every stage is essential.

For Trollhättan Energi, the partnership combines a long-term commitment to the local energy supply with new opportunities in data-driven optimization and energy trading. The goal is a more efficient energy system that supports Trollhättan’s development and continues to deliver a reliable supply in the future.

Ready to unlock the flexibility of your energy resources?

Aire helps energy utilities combine local system expertise with data-driven forecasting, control and optimization.

By connecting energy resources with opportunities in energy and ancillary services markets, we can identify new applications together and unlock greater value from both new and existing assets.

Contact us to discuss the opportunities within your energy system.