EVN will market the flexibility of the Theiß Hybrid Storage System using CyberNoc

EVN will manage and market the flexibility of the Theiß Hybrid Storage System in the balancing and intraday market using the cutting-edge software solution ‘CyberNoc’ – a flexibility management platform developed by CyberGrid, which is used by the Austrian electric utility under the nickname ‘FlexRegler’. This innovative technology can monetize interconnected energy assets in multiple energy markets by adopting the most profitable strategy and providing new revenue streams, while increasing efficiency and contributing to grid stability.

The development of this state-of-the-art hybrid storage facility is a notable stride in the integration of diverse storage technologies and renewable energy sources into a unified hybrid system. This groundbreaking initiative implemented in the picturesque village of Theiß (Gedersdorf, Lower Austria) is redefining the future of sustainable energy. The Theiß Hybrid Storage System, with its innovative amalgamation of battery storage, power-to-heat conversions and solar power, is not just an energy project - it's a blueprint for a greener, more resilient energy landscape.  

This initiative not only underscores a commitment to innovation but also aligns with regional and environmental strategies to enhance energy sustainability and self-sufficiency. This pioneering system promises to revolutionize how communities store, manage and utilize energy, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility and technological sophistication.

How will the Hybrid Storage System be marketed using CyberNoc?

CyberNoc plays a crucial role in the Theiß Hybrid Storage System project, being an intelligent core of the storage system’s operations. The flexibility management platform's primary function is to manage the battery storage and other power plants, optimizing their use based on current market conditions and grid requirements. In the Theiß Hybrid Storage System, CyberNoc's capabilities are leveraged to enable a range of balancing and energy trading services.

The software can provide Frequency Control Reserve (FCR), Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR) and Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve (mFRR) individually, or in combination. In addition, the battery storage can be operated as a stand alone or in combination with power-to-heat (P2H) as a hybrid. With renewable energy sources known for their variability, such software is essential to balance fluctuations in power generation. Additionally, CyberNoc allows the hybrid system to participate in intraday trading. This capability ensures that excess energy generated by the system, perhaps during peak solar production periods, can be sold to the market, maximizing the financial returns of the system while contributing to the overall energy supply. These services will be increasingly important as the share of renewable energies grows and the need for rapid response services becomes more critical to balance the grid.  

By enabling these sophisticated functionalities, CyberNoc positions the Hybrid Storage System Theiß not just as a source of renewable energy, but as an active player in energy markets and a supporter of grid resilience.  

A deep dive into the hybrid storage system  

Renewable energy sources are increasingly taking center stage at the Theiß energy hub in Lower Austria. Overall, the Theiß power station has an output of up to 800 MW. Since last year, 5,700 solar modules have been actively providing power to local households. Additionally, a new biomass plant was inaugurated last fall to supply the city of Krems with natural heat and green electricity.  

The hybrid storage system is a direct response to the challenge posed by the intermittency of renewable energy sources, which often produce more electricity than is immediately needed, leading to potential wastage or the need for costly infrastructure expansions to distribute this surplus. EVN and CyberGrid's innovative approach involves converting excess electricity into thermal energy and storing it in the battery system to then be efficiently utilized when demand peaks.

The hybrid storage system comprises two main components: a thermal storage unit and an electrical battery storage system. Both units have a capacity of 5 megawatts, providing a robust framework for energy management. The thermal storage utilizes a converted oil tank in Theiss, which is now Austria's largest district heating storage facility with a capacity to hold 50,000 cubic meters of hot water. The process begins when there is an excess of electricity in the power grid. Instead of letting this surplus go to waste, the electric heating system is activated, converting the electricity into heat. This heat is then stored in the thermal storage unit. Conversely, during periods when the demand for electricity exceeds the supply, the system can draw energy from the battery storage, thus ensuring grid stability. One of the standout features of the Hybrid Storage System is its efficiency. This capability not only helps in stabilizing the electricity grid, but also makes a significant contribution to energy security. The hybrid storage system also aligns with environmental goals. For instance, in Krems, the integration of a new biomass power plant and the optimized operation of the hybrid system have dramatically reduced the need for auxiliary gas boilers. This transition is expected to save thousands of tons of CO2.

The components and functionalities of the hybrid storage system

The Theiß Hybrid Storage System represents a paradigm shift in energy management and sustainability, serving as a model for future energy systems worldwide. Let’s have a detailed look at the key components and functionalities of this innovative system.

Photovoltaic plant

The photovoltaic plant plays a significant role in the hybrid system by harnessing solar energy to produce electricity. With a capacity of 3.1 MWp, the plant adds a renewable source of energy to the grid.

Power to heat system

The power to heat system is another critical component of the hybrid setup. It has a power capacity of 5 MW, and is connected to the thermal storage unit. This system is integral to converting excess electrical energy into heat, which is then stored and later used to supply the district heating network.

Thermal storage

The thermal storage unit has a capacity of 1650 MWh, and is connected to the combined heat and power plant in Krems, capable of providing heat to approximately 30,000 households and electricity to around 15,000 households.

Battery storage system

The battery storage system at Theiß is a sophisticated assembly designed for high efficiency and reliability. It consists of four subsystems, each housed in individual containers. One of the containers includes both the battery and the inverter, crucial for managing the flow and conversion of electrical energy. Each subsystem is capable of a substantial output, providing ±5 MW of power and containing 6 MWh of energy in total, with the potential for expansion by an additional 2 MWh. This system is vital for ensuring energy availability during peak demands or when solar and wind resources are low.

The battery storage utilizes Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, chosen for their lower fire risk and lack of environmentally harmful cobalt. This choice underscores the project's commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.