The Power Shift: Grönlunds Plåt's Strategic Leap with Polarium's Energy Solutions

Introduction

Grönlunds Plåt, a family-owned company based in Skara, boasts a rich history spanning over 150 years. Managed by two brothers of the fifth generation, the company continues to evolve in the field of sheet metal manufacturing and processing, producing everything from waste bins to ventilation units with a focus on customized solutions. This is a highly energy-intense business with energy management being one of their most pressing challenges, particularly for their energy-intensive powder coating plant. “We envision electrifying our plant in the future or finding another solution,” says Anders Nystedt, one of the brothers.

In 2024, the company installed an Energy Optimization System from Polarium. The solution was installed to enable Grönlunds to secure that they always have energy available when they need it, reduce their exposure towards the volatile energy market by creating lower and more predictable energy costs.

Short to mid-term Benefits

Grönlunds has installed an Energy Optimization System from Polarium that enables them to offer support services, balance the electricity grid and open new revenue streams. These services include providing grid stabilization by storing excess energy and releasing it when demand spikes, a capability that not only supports the grid but also generates additional revenue for the company.  “We started two weeks ago with approval from Svenska kraftnät, Anders explains. This approval allows Grönlunds Plåt to fully utilize their new system.

In the short term, Grönlunds Plåt experiences several key benefits from the installation of Polarium’s energy solutions. Firstly, Anders views it as an insurance. By avoiding price peaks and intelligently managing the power generated by their solar panels, Grönlunds Plåt can secure low energy costs and lower their energy bills. This approach not only decreases expenses but also supports their commitment to sustainability by maximizing the use of renewable energy.

Secondly, the Energy Optimization System also provides Grönlunds Plåt with a reliable source of reserve power. This system automatically manages their energy storage, ensuring that energy is always available when needed. This automation guarantees that their operations remain uninterrupted, providing a dependable backup that enhances overall efficiency.

Furthermore, being able to store their own energy also means that Grönlunds can optimize their energy use. During times when electricity prices are low, they can recharge their batteries and use the energy when prices rise. This gives them a significant financial advantage and acts as a price insurance.

Long-term Benefits

In the long term, Grönlunds Plåt’s ambition is that their investment in the system will enable electrification of their powder coating plant without the need for an expensive power cable. “It’s electricity insurance and price insurance,” Anders explains, highlighting the advantages of energy storage. Their solar panels currently supply about 20% of their electricity needs, providing a sustainable energy source. By storing solar-generated energy, Grönlunds can achieve net-zero electricity costs during low-operation periods, such as weekends and holidays. They aim to leverage the system for even greater benefits from their solar panels, both for themselves and for society.

This approach not only aligns with their environmental objectives but also stabilizes costs in a region where electricity demand is set to double, driven by industrial growth and a new battery factory in Mariestad. As they note, “In five years, electricity demand will double. This means that, in the long term, we as energy consumers must take greater responsibility for the production, storage, and use of electricity. Otherwise, we will not be able to maintain a reliable and sustainable electricity system.” Ensuring access to green electricity is both an environmental benefit and an economic necessity, allowing Grönlunds to safeguard against future price hikes and maintain competitiveness

Lead of the Movement

Navigating a relatively unregulated industry has sometimes been challenging for Grönlunds. “It was a bit complicated to get started,” Anders admits, as they had to work through bureaucratic processes with emergency services and insurance companies to get their system approved.

However, by pioneering Energy Optimization, Grönlunds is setting a precedent for other companies in the region. “The more installations like this that come up, the easier it will be for different agencies to have ready-made templates,” Anders notes. They hope their experience will ease the path for other companies to follow suit and capitalize on the benefits of energy storage – and taking responsibility in supporting the electrical grid.

Read more about Polarium Energy Optimization System