The Terhills project is an ambitious development project on the Dilsen-Stokkem/Maasmechelen site, financed by the Limburg Reconversion Company (LRM) in cooperation with Center Parcs. The project includes the construction of 250 vacation homes and central facilities such as an Aqua Mundo and Country Club. LRM would like advice on choosing a strategic energy concept that is both profitable and sustainable.

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Ingenium guided LRM in selecting the energy concept for this large-scale project, with particular attention to both thermal and electrical energy needs.

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Energy concepts and DC grid Integration

Choice of Energy Concept:

Ingenium conducted a detailed study of various energy concepts for the 250 vacation homes and central facilities of the Terhills project.

These concepts were evaluated on the basis of cost-effectiveness (CAPEX/OPEX) and sustainability (CO₂ reduction). Together with LRM, the most appropriate techniques were selected.

Integration of a DC Grid 2:

Special to this project were the plans to build a DC grid at the resort for distribution and distribution and the PV plant needed to be able to connect to it.

Ultimately, the DC grid for distribution within the resort was not implemented. However, a DC grid for voltages above 700 VDC was investigated and implemented for distribution of PV energy over longer distances.

This DC grid provides efficient energy transfer from the large-scale PV plant, while limiting energy losses over the site's vast terrain.

The system uses higher voltage levels to transport energy efficiently, minimizing loss over long distances.

Large-scale PV installation 3:

Ingenium supported LRM in the development of a large-scale PV installation, examining six possible sites on the site for technical and financial feasibility.

Possible locations included implantation on a slag heap, placement on a fly ash landfill, and floating PV installations. These different configurations were reviewed based on their feasibility and contribution to the energy needs of the project.

The floating PV installations have been realized (see photo).

Battery and Support Services to Elia 4:

A battery that provides ancillary services (such as R1) to Elia, the Belgian transmission system operator, has already been installed on the site. This battery plays a crucial role in balancing the supply and demand of electricity and supports the stability of the national grid.

The Concept of a Local Energy Community 5:

This project explored how the renewable energy system - including PV installations, battery storage and the possible integration of a DC grid - can function as a local energy community.

This local energy community would allow for efficient sharing and management of renewable energy within the resort, as well as optimal cooperation between the various components of the system (such as the PV plants and batteries).

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Impact and Application

- Sustainable Energy Supply: The integration of large-scale PV installations and the use of a DC grid to distribute PV energy allows the Terhills project to generate and use its own renewable energy, with a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

- Loss optimization: The DC grid with voltages above 700 VDC ensures efficient transmission of energy, with limited losses over the project's vast terrain.

- Local Energy Community: By incorporating a local energy community, Terhills can create a self-sufficient energy system in which renewable energy is efficiently generated, stored and shared within the resort.

Conclusion:

The Terhills project is an example of how innovative energy concepts such as large-scale PV installations and DC grids can be applied in large-scale, sustainable projects. By leveraging local energy communities, Terhills can take an important step toward a self-sufficient and sustainable energy supply, where different technologies work together seamlessly for optimal energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

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