EMS play a crucial role in the transformation of the energy industry from centralized to decentralized. They support grid operators with challenges such as fluctuating energy production, consumption and increasing electrification of heat and mobility.

Optimizing energy flows to serve the grid

An EMS serves as a digital hub that optimizes energy flows within a building or network. By networking and coordinating different energy systems, EMSs can take advantage of flexibilities in the grid to optimize self-consumption and reduce peak loads. Especially in the context of e-mobility, EMS can play a crucial role in preventing network overloads through targeted load management. For distribution grid operators, energy management systems are also valuable as tools for grid-serving optimization. By intelligently controlling energy flows, production and consumption can be brought closer together without the need for expensive infrastructure expansion. In this context, an EMS acts as an interface to customers, enabling them to tap flexibilities and optimize grid operations.

Increasing transparency and grid stability

EMS also increase network transparency, which is crucial for the secure operation of the network. The ability to actively intervene in energy and power flows gives network operators the opportunity to respond quickly to challenges and keep the network stable.

Service for customers with added value for the distribution network

By offering white-label EMS, utilities can expand their services, leading to stronger customer relationships. By selling EMS independently as a white-label solution, they can also influence which systems are installed in their own distribution network. This facilitates integration into the utility's existing systems thanks to standardized interfaces. All in all, such an offer is a valuable addition for innovative energy supply companies that want to position themselves in a changing industry.

Increasing relevance with new Energy Act and Electricity Supply Act

As of 01.01.2025, the new Energy Act and Electricity Supply Act is expected to come into force, bringing the following revolutionary changes in energy supply, among others:

• Grid fee exemption for battery storage
• real-time data availability from smart meters
• local electricity communities
• As a result, smart metering and control systems in terms of EMS will become critical to a successful business case.

Conclusion: Energy management systems with great future potential

The potential of energy management systems and end-customer flexibility is currently far from exhausted, and there are challenges such as lack of communication standards and regulatory hurdles to overcome. Nevertheless, energy management systems represent a promising tool for distribution system operators to increase efficiency and sustainability in a changing energy sector.