Farm ESS Project: Smart Energy Storage for a Chicken Farm in Belgium

Background：

A large-scale chicken farm in Belgium sought to enhance its energy efficiency and reduce operational costs by leveraging its on-site solar power generation. The farm required a reliable solution to:

• Maximize self-sufficiency by utilizing more solar energy.
• Reduce electricity costs through efficient energy management.
• Generate additional revenue by participating in the imbalance market.

Challenges：

1. Underutilized Solar Energy: Without storage, surplus solar power was wasted or sent back to the grid at low compensation rates.
2. Fluctuating Energy Demand: The farm’s energy needs varied throughout the day, requiring a way to balance supply and demand efficiently.
3. Grid Costs & Market Opportunities: High energy costs during peak hours made it essential to store cheap electricity and use it when prices were high, while also enabling participation in the imbalance market for additional revenue.

Solution：

To meet these goals, POWEROAD deployed three FLEX 215 All-in-one Air Cooling Outdoor Cabinet ESS with a combined capacity of 300kW / 645kWh, installed alongside a medium-voltage cabinet to optimize energy flow, offering:

✅ Solar Self-Consumption Optimization: Captures and stores excess solar power during the day for later use, increasing energy independence.

✅ Balancing Services: Dynamically adjusts energy supply based on market signals, optimizing consumption patterns and reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity.

✅ Spot Power Trading: Enables the farm to trade surplus energy in the imbalance market, generating additional income.

✅ Cost Reduction & Grid Relief: By strategically discharging stored energy during peak demand periods, the system lowers electricity costs and reduces grid strain.

By integrating POWEROAD’s FLEX 215 AIO ESS, this chicken farm has successfully optimized its solar energy use, reduced costs, and unlocked new revenue potential. This project demonstrates how smart energy storage solutions can transform agricultural operations, making them more sustainable and financially efficient.