Elektrowerk Assling (EWA), a regional energy provider based in Oberthal, East Tyrol, operates two hydropower plants with a combined installed capacity of 4.225 MW. These plants are equipped with Pelton turbines and are seamlessly integrated into CyberGrid's advanced flexibility management platform, CyberNoc, via ModbusTCP interface. This integration enables real-time monitoring, remote control, and intelligent dispatch of the hydropower assets, allowing EWA to actively participate in various electricity markets. By leveraging CyberNoc's capabilities, EWA can optimize the operational flexibility of its hydropower plants, contribute to grid stability, and unlock new revenue streams through the monetization of ancillary services and balancing energy.
The Challenge
Despite their robust generation capabilities, hydropower plants could face limitations when it comes to monetizing their flexibility potential beyond traditional feed-in tariffs. With minimal on-site storage capacity and a need for precise, real-time control of generation output, the plants were not initially equipped to respond to the fast-paced demands of ancillary services markets. Elektrowerk Assling recognized the growing importance of flexibility in the energy transition and sought a reliable partner to help them unlock new revenue streams by participating in balancing energy markets —specifically the secondary and tertiary reserve markets.
The Solution
With CyberNoc Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solution, CyberGrid enables real-time flexibility marketing of Elektrowerk Assling’s assets in the secondary and tertiary reserve markets. Key components of the solution included:
- Seamless integration of CyberNoc with the plant’s SCADA system via ModbusTCP, ensuring secure and reliable data exchange.
- Real-time signal communication exchange for power setpoints, availability status, and feedback loops, enabling precise control and responsiveness to market signals.
- Configuration for both positive and negative regulation, including ramping capabilities.
- Participation in APG’s balancing energy tenders, supported by CyberGrid’s in-depth regulatory knowledge and technical expertise, ensuring compliance and competitive positioning.
CyberGrid's team provided end-to-end support, ensuring a smooth transition into active market participation.
The Results
The collaboration delivers tangible outcomes for Elektrowerk Assling:
- Full integration of both hydropower plants into CyberGrid’s Virtual Power Plant solution, enabling centralized control and market dispatch.
- Verified technical readiness and successful entry into the secondary and tertiary reserve markets, opening up new monetization pathways.
- Enhanced asset utilization, with the plants now operating not only as energy producers but also as flexible grid resources.
- New revenue streams from the provision of ancillary services, contributing to the financial sustainability of the plants and support Austria's energy transition goals.
About Electrowerk Assling
Electrowerk Assling is a cooperative energy provider founded in 1927. It operates five renewable hydropower plants along the Kristeinbach and Thalerbach streams, as well as five photovoltaic installations, delivering clean electricity to the local community. In addition to power generation, EWA manages a district heating network serving around 40 customers, provides comprehensive electrical installation services—from planning to maintenance—and oversees the local distribution grid. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in continuous modernization efforts, including the revitalization of older plants and the commissioning of one of Tyrol’s largest solar parks.
