Port
Energy System
Simulator

Gain insights through modelling the potential

Creating a more sustainable, reliable and competitive energy system

This simulation model helps visualize and measure sustainable energy solutions within energy clusters. With qualitative data the accuracy will improve and future simulations can be setup. By collaborating, stakeholders are able to see the potential impact directly, leading to better decision-making and identifying the most effective sustainability strategies.

Our vision

To visualize organised system integration by providing PoR and its stakeholders insights into how industrial parties can become more flexible across different commodities. By doing so they are able to contribute to a more sustainable, reliable and competitive energy system.

Our Mission

Developing a prototype that can generate insights into what a future energy system could look like. By simulating business scenarios, PoR can develop insights into where and which actions can help realise the 'Future Energy System'.

The prototype

This prototype is an early model of a potential product used to test and refine its features. It allows PoR to evaluate functionality, identify issues, and make necessary improvements. In this prototype we show how an energy hub is able to enforce congestion relief. It's based on available data, reports and expert knowledge.

The future energy system

The port of Rotterdam has the ambition to be the most sustainable port in the world. By sustainability we mean the greening of industry and logistics and the quality of the living environment. Besides being the biggest port of Europe, the port also houses a world-class industrial cluster (HIC).

A fit for purpose and competitive port energy system is needed to achieve this ambition.

In order to gain insights ons what the port energy system of the future should look like PoR started ‘The Future Energy System’-project.

Our approach

Building a model that shows the full complexity of the energy system is a task. And as with anything complex you have to decide to get the full overview with less detail or to get part of the overview with more detail. For this project we chose the latter option.

The objective

To develop insights on effective actions for realising the Future Energy System by modelling the as-is scenario and exploring sustainable energy solutions within energy clusters.

Actions taken

Conducted an in-depth analysis of data quality and availability

Defined the scope based on appeal, usability and energy stream features

Analysed potential scenarios.

Established metrics for Sustainability, Reliability & Competitiveness

Developed an energy passport

Outcome

We created an attractive, interactive model that:

provides an overview of all area’s of the port;

offers a detailed view of Kop van de Beer in Europoort West;

visualises real-time energy streams, including electricity, gas, heat and steam;

displays assets of energy consumers and producers;

shows metrics for Sustainability, Reliability and Competitiveness;

simulates scenarios based on real-time data.

measuring impact

Our metrics

For the prototype we haven chosen the following definitions for our key metrics:

Sustainability

Calculating the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of a region is crucial for understanding its environmental impact and developing strategies to mitigate climate change. The calculation takes into account the two primary sources of energy: electricity from the grid and natural gas. By considering the specific CO2 emission factors for each energy source, we can determine the total CO2 emissions per hour in a given region.

Reliabillity

Reliability is a key metric for assessing the performance of an energy system. It measures the extent to which the energy demands of all assets within an area can be met through local energy production, without relying on external sources. A higher reliability percentage indicates the energy system is more self-sufficient and less dependent on the broader electricity grid.

Competitiveness

Comparing the total cost of energy between different areas is important for assessing the economic competitiveness of a region. To enable this comparison, a standardised "competitiveness" metric can be calculated which takes into account the key drivers of energy costs - gas consumption, electricity consumption from the grid, and CO2 emissions.

The prototype

Energy passport

The energy passport is a unique identifier for every company and asset within the energy system of the port. This passport consolidates all relevant production and consumption data , providing a comprehensive view of their energy footprint. With this feature, companies can track their energy use patterns, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions about energy management.

Information tab

The Information Tab is a user-friendly interface that offers detailed insights into the data being used. When navigating the tool, users can access this tab to see exactly what data is being utilised, including the sources and the quality of the data. This feature provides confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the data, allowing users to understand the foundation of their analyses and ensuring that the decisions they make are based on trustworthy data.

Running scenario's

By simulating different conditions, users can visualize potential future states of the energy system, assess risks, and strategise accordingly. These scenarios can illustrate the differences in energy production and consumption across different seasons and the impact of area development. This capability is essential for planning and optimising energy resources to meet changing demands and mitigate the effects of seasonal variations.

Exploring data

With an array of metrics and interactive graphs, users can delve into the data to uncover trends, patterns, and the impact of different energy assets. This feature enables a granular analysis of energy usage, allowing users to pinpoint specific areas of interest, evaluate the performance of various components, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of their energy systems.

Modularity & Scalability

The backend model of the energy system prototype is engineered to support scalability, enabling the system to grow and adapt over time. Some key aspects of its scalability include:

Location agnostic

The energy system prototype is designed to be location agnostic, meaning it can be deployed and operated in various geographical locations without requiring significant adjustments. This location independence allows for broader application and ensures that the system can meet diverse energy system solutions across different regions.

Easy data import & export

The system is built with interoperability in mind, allowing seamless integration with various data sources. Users can effortlessly import data from existing databases. Similarly, exporting data for analysis, reporting, or sharing with stakeholders is straightforward. This ease of data handling ensures that the system can be integrated into existing workflows and can provide valuable insights for decision-making and optimisation.

User friendly

The prototype is designed with a strong focus on user-friendliness, ensuring that users with varying levels of technical expertise can effectively operate and manage the system. The user interface is intuitive, with clear navigation, accessible controls, and helpful guides. This user-centric approach enhances the overall user experience and promotes widespread adoption of the system.

Future use cases

Compare solutions & scenario's

The prototype has been instrumental in identifying the types of data necessary for comprehensive analysis and decision-making. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a sandbox environment where stakeholders can test and evaluate different energy strategies. This sandbox will enable PoR to simulate diverse scenarios, such as the integration of renewable energy sources, demand response techniques, and energy storage solutions. By comparing these solutions in a controlled setting, we can determine the most effective and efficient pathways for achieving the energy transition goals, while also identifying potential risks and challenges.

Creating investment cases for assets

As the energy transition progresses, there is a growing need for new assets and a revamped infrastructure to support emerging technologies. The model can play a crucial role in this by providing the tools and methodologies to create investment cases for these assets. By incorporating cost calculations and economic analysis into our evaluations, we can compare the financial viability of various infrastructure projects and technology investments. This involves assessing capital expenditures, operational costs, and potential returns on investment. By doing so, we can prioritise projects that offer the most significant benefits and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. This analytical approach enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about where to invest, thereby accelerating the deployment of essential energy infrastructure and technologies.

Visualise the future energy system

The prototype has been designed to address a specific segment of the future energy system, but our vision extends much further. To fully harness the potential of the model, we aim to use port scenarios as a framework to visualize the future energy landscape comprehensively. By showcasing how different components - such as renewable energy sources, smart grids, and energy storage systems - interact and complement each other within a port environment, we can create a vivid and tangible representation of the future energy system. This visualisation will help stakeholders understand the broader implications and benefits of the energy transition.

Key learnings & advice

To effectively work with these key learnings in future projects, consider the following advice:

Enhance data management practices: Encourage a culture of data sharing and collaboration among different departments and stakeholders to enrich the data pool.
Foster continuous learning and collaboration: Promote cross-functional teams that include both technical and business experts to ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into the prototype development process.
Align simulations with business objectives: Maintain a clear focus on the business needs and strategic goals throughout the prototyping phase. Regularly communicate with business stakeholders to validate that the simulation meets their expectations and provides tangible benefits.

By integrating these approaches, future projects can achieve greater accuracy, relevance, and impact in the development of energy system simulations.

Data availability

Data availability is crucial in the development of any energy system prototype. The quality, quantity, and accessibility of data directly influence the accuracy and reliability of the prototype.

During the prototyping phase, it is essential to gather comprehensive data on energy consumption, generation, storage, and distribution. This includes historical data, real-time data, and predictive analytics. Proper data management ensures that the prototype can simulate real-world conditions accurately and predict future scenarios effectively.

Expert domain knowledge

Domain knowledge is necessary for building a robust prototype. This includes understanding regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, market dynamics, and the operational intricacies of energy systems.

Leveraging this knowledge allows the development team to incorporate realistic constraints and opportunities into the prototype. Collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders ensures that the prototype aligns with current industry standards and practices.

Insights of business needs

Understanding the business needs is fundamental to developing a prototype that delivers practical value. This involves identifying the key objectives of the energy system, such as cost reduction, efficiency improvement, sustainability targets, and customer satisfaction.

Business insights guide the prioritisation of features and functionalities in the prototype. Engaging with business stakeholders throughout the prototyping process ensures that the final product meets the strategic goals and operational requirements of the organisation.