Existing and new high, consistent energy users who are wishing to decarbonise are likely to be the most interested, from data centres to chemical companies, manufacturers to those developing large EV charging stations. Many businesses are also struggling to get more power from the grid if they want to shift assets off gas to electricity or are located in industrial zones where there is already a high demand for energy.
Microgrids are also advantageous for those businesses looking to diversify their energy supply and build in more renewables and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These organisations are in an advantageous position because they may already have a grid connection.
Data centres are a prime example since they may have already made capital expenditure commitments for back-up generators, whether gas or diesel. A private wire network could compliment this arrangement.
Microgrids could also deliver renewable energy directly to communities at a low cost or for free. Such action could facilitate buy-in and approval by local authorities for a development. This is where private wire networks would have a distinctive Corporate Social Responsibility function.
Private wire suits organisations with relatively stable, long-term loads who are willing to commit to multi-year agreements. The business case will be driven by improved cost certainty and potential long-term savings associated with energy. They also work for organisations who want to be at the forefront of decarbonising their infrastructure.
At the heart of this is green energy. It’s not really about infrastructure such as a data centre. It’s about taking that green energy, controlling it and selling it at the right price.
David Young, Consultant, CX Power
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