Tackling Stockholm’s power challenges: how Myrspoven and SISAB make a difference

As Stockholm continues to grow and electrification expands, the city faces a mounting challenge – keeping up with the increasing demand for electricity. To help address these pressures, Myrspoven and SISAB have partnered in the sthlmflex project.

This initiative focused on stabilizing the local power grid, reducing energy peaks, and offering a sustainable solution to Stockholm’s energy capacity issues by involving not only energy producers but also consumers in the process.

What is sthlmflex?

Sthlmflex is a groundbreaking research and development project launched by Svenska Kraftnät, Vattenfall, and Ellevio to address the region’s electricity grid congestion. It works as a marketplace where companies and property owners can buy and sell energy flexibility. The goal is to balance energy demand and reduce pressure on the grid, especially during peak times when electricity consumption is at its highest.

For Stockholm, a city with limited electricity transmission points, this project is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future. As energy consumption continues to rise, particularly in winter when temperatures dip to around -5°C, energy demand spikes. These peaks put significant strain on the grid. Sthlmflex allows buildings that don’t need as much electricity during these peak periods to reduce or “flex” their consumption, making that energy available to others who need it more.

This concept of energy flexibility benefits everyone: the grid becomes more stable, buildings reduce their energy bills, and the environment wins through decreased reliance on fossil fuels.

The power of collaboration: Myrspoven and SISAB

Myrspoven and SISAB have worked together for years to optimize energy efficiency and enhance indoor climates. With the sthlmflex project, the collaboration highlighted how older buildings, with less advanced technology, can play a role in energy solutions.

With SISAB managing a large portfolio of schools and preschools, they hold a unique advantage: these buildings naturally use less energy in the afternoons, right when electricity demand is at its highest. By strategically lowering energy consumption during these times, SISAB plays a vital role in stabilizing the energy grid and reducing strain.

For Myrspoven, a leader in intelligent energy management, this partnership is a clear demonstration of how intelligent energy management can leverage existing buildings to contribute to a more balanced and sustainable energy future.

No compromise on comfort

A common concern with energy flexibility is how it affects the people inside the buildings. Myrspoven addresses this by ensuring that any reductions in energy use happen outside of peak activity hours – when buildings like schools and preschools are either closed or minimally occupied.

Additionally, the design of Swedish buildings allows for slow temperature changes, meaning that turning off electric heaters for a few hours has little to no effect on indoor comfort. This smart use of the building’s ability to retain heat, it’s possible to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Real benefits for the region

Participating in sthlmflex doesn’t just help stabilize the grid – it also brings tangible financial benefits. With electricity prices rising, being able to reduce energy consumption at peak times saves significant costs. It’s a win-win for property owners and the community.

The environmental impact is also considerable. During periods of high demand, fossil fuels are often used as a last resort to power the grid. By reducing reliance on these fuels, sthlmflex participants play a part in creating a cleaner, greener Stockholm.

Powering change together

The success of sthlmflex shows that every contribution matters, whether from large or small properties, old or new buildings. By flexing energy consumption during peak periods, participants help alleviate the city’s energy challenges while also benefiting from reduced electricity costs.

At Myrspoven, we believe it’s crucial to encourage these kinds of initiatives. In a time of increasing energy demands, sthlmflex illustrates how both producers and consumers can play an essential role in contributing to a more sustainable energy future.