The scope of services of M&P
- Planning of a future-proof, customised decarbonisation strategy.
- Conversion of the energy supply from gas to electricity, including from photovoltaic systems.
- Adaptation of the 20 kV infrastructure based on an analysis of future energy demand.
A professional look into the crystal ball: M&P predicts future energy demand for the family-owned technology company Heraeus – and is planning a new 20 kV infrastructure for the electrical supply that will be put in place at the Hanau site, with a guiding principle of decarbonisation.
An electrifying job at Heraeus in Hanau
The Heraeus Group is a broadly diversified and world-leading family-owned technology company with its headquarters in Hanau, Germany. The roots of the company date back to a pharmacy that has been run by the family since 1660. Today, Heraeus comprises a number of businesses in the fields of the environment, electronics, health and industrial applications.
Sustainability and the responsible use of resources are an important corporate principle for Heraeus. Now, the energy supply at the Hanau site is to be converted and decarbonised. Decarbonisation means moving away from carbon, i.e. the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, especially in the energy industry, and, in the process, development towards a post-fossil, carbon-free energy supply. It involves replacing fossil fuels with no-carbon, renewable energy sources to reduce or even eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.
Electrical energy for the Hanau site
The energy supply for production by the Heraeus companies is gradually being converted from gas to electrical energy.
At the Hanau site, this new orientation requires a higher electrical power density in the distribution network on the company premises. The company is not relying solely on the basic supply from the Stadtwerke Hanau public utility company to achieve this. Alternative energy generated from photovoltaic systems, which will be installed on the company buildings, will also be fed into the new electrical infrastructure.
New performance levels for the 20 kV infrastructure
The existing 20 kV infrastructure is not designed for a sudden increase in energy and must be adapted to the new conditions.
But what will the energy demand of tomorrow look like? M&P Mannheim is using its expert vision as it looks into the crystal ball to identify and plan the future supply situation and energy production.
In concrete terms, this first means inspecting the existing individual 20 kV substations and checking the current status.
A prognosis of the expected electrical connection loads, the usage behaviour of the production lines and the remaining service life of the substations is also needed, as is an evaluation of the medium-voltage areas and an inspection of the condition and functionality of the existing medium-voltage cables.
Professional forecasting provides the framework for action
With all these parameters, we need to establish and evaluate accurate conclusions and findings. The conversion measures are then developed and procurement measures documented on this basis.
In discussions with our customer, we will talk through all the advantages and disadvantages of the individual measures and plan a future-oriented implementation strategy.
The individual interim measures must also be discussed and provisional measures for energy supply and distribution determined. In addition, operational reliability of the energy supply in the event of a malfunction must be ensured. This will be another important task for M&P in the context of the project.
M&P will assess the information obtained, define an appropriate strategy for implementation, and present a technical solution, taking into account the schedule.
The cost framework and cost assessment will also be key elements of the project.
We are looking forward to the challenging task ahead!