The AmstelbatterEi

Last Easter was the day: the Amstel bird laid its first egg - the AmstelbatterEi. A real milestone in the energy transition. At the foot of the wind turbine in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a brand new, cooperative energy storage system (EOS) of energy cooperative De Windvogel and Emmett Green. It is the result of three years of intensive collaboration and preparation. A 2 MW / 4 MWh plant that cleverly stores renewable energy, can reduce grid congestion and helps balance the power grid.

Cooperative ownership and professional execution

The project is so special because of the collaboration between De Windvogel and Emmett Green. De Windvogel is a well-established energy cooperative that has been working on local ownership of renewable energy for years, and Emmett Green is an independent consultant experienced in innovative energy solutions. Each bears responsibility for 50% for battery ownership.

Emmett Green had the role of delegated developer and was therefore responsible for the entire process: from drafting contracts to coordinating the permit process, coordinating with grid operator Liander and other parties, and conducting financial and technical feasibility studies. All this was done in close consultation with the cooperative, which ensured a good partnership.

Digital Twin for data-driven battery sizing

Prior to construction, Emmett Green developed its own Digital Twin of the site using its advanced Energy Management System (EMS): a simulation model capable of calculating different battery sizes, capacities and market strategies based on historical data. These simulations provided insight into how the battery, along with the wind turbine, would behave in different electricity markets, such as the imbalance, day-ahead and intraday markets, and under different grid constraints.

The result? A reasoned choice for a 2 MW / 4 MWh battery capable of responding flexibly to price fluctuations and grid needs without hindering the wind turbine's ability to generate green power. The beauty is that the same algorithms from this simulation phase are also used to drive the battery in practice. So what was calculated in advance is exactly what is now happening in real time.