Feeding into GRITH's recently produced Energy SWOT, our partners in Mechelen used the results of the EHUB-BT study. This exploratory research on the concept of 'Energyhubs on Industrial Sites' was published by the Flemish Department of Environment and Spatial Development in 2021.
This study focuses on the potential of existing industrial parks to play a key role in the new energy system. Not every industrial park is suited to be an energy hub so this study developed an initial methodology with an assessment framework laying the foundations for a methodology that can be applied to all existing industrial parks. The methodology also provides a step-by-step plan and a roadmap, using building blocks. The City of Mechelen works with this tool at Mechelen North, to provide a translated version of the study and methodology. This is also being shared amongst the other GRITH partners.
What is an EHUB?
An EHUB-BT is a system consisting of a geographical area in which the energy demand and supply of at least one industrial site and one nearby consumer are matched through multi-carrier energy system (energy conversion, storage and network technologies) with local control, structural collaboration and active support of the energy transition. The EHUB-BT study recognizes three types of hubs:
- Switchhub: the industrial site has a strategic position in the regional energy ecosystem creates a huge potential for large-scale energy sharing, distribution and storage of one or more energy carriers.
- Heathub: the focus is on capture of rest-heat on and around the industrial site
Energyhub: a large potential for the production of renewable energy including local storage.
GRITH visit to Quares in Mechelen, April 2024
Implementation at Mechelen North
Quares, one of the enterprises based on the Mechelen North industrial site, participated in the Flemish EHUB-BT study and is now involved in how the building blocks of the EHUB-BT model can be implemented here in terms of Energy Demand, Energy Supply, Flexibility & Network, Incentive & Collaboration. Meanwhile, Mechelen is working on developing Mechelen North into a Switchhub.
Read more about in the GRITH Toolbox and find more useful support solutions.
Other useful links to the full research reports (in Dutch):
Verkenning van het concept Energiehub op bedrijventerreinen in Vlaanderen | Antea Group