EV growth driving OpenADR Alliance membership in Europe
Last year sales of electric vehicles (EVs) hit a major milestone, with around 10% of the market for the first time. This is being driven mainly by strong growth in the EU – second only to China – where sales of electric cars broke a new record, according to figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
The OpenADR Alliance spent a little time at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. This show was back to full strength with close to 120,000 attendees, and in particular the automotive industry was present in full force. OEMs focused as in recent years on in-vehicle entertainment, autonomous driving and electrification of mobility, but this year’s focus definitely moved more in the direction of electrification.
Mercedez-Benz maybe made the biggest announcement, the launch of their own nationwide network of EV chargers, exclusively for the use of Mercedes-Benz drivers. BMW, Stellantis, Toyota and other major manufacturers highlighted their electrification efforts, and many EV focused start-ups were present including Faraday, Lightning, Hispano Luiza, and Lightyear, with its roof and trunk covered with integrated solar panels. It was also interesting to see electrification arriving in categories like tractor trailers, boats, construction excavators and farm equipment.
OpenADR exhibited at RE+ in Anaheim in September. Having participated in predecessor show Solar Power International, it is clear that the rapid evolution of solar/storage or hybrid solar developments have created new demand for OpenADR. RE+ is:
The largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry, RE+ is comprised of: Solar Power International (our flagship event), Energy Storage International, RE+ Power (including wind, and hydrogen and fuel cells), and RE+ Infrastructure (electric vehicles and microgrids) and brings together an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders for multiple days of programming and networking opportunities.
OpenADR: A Game Changer in a Foreseeable Crisis
Wrap up and keep warm the motto for the upcoming winter months ahead in Europe. Natural gas is vital to most countries and today more than ever for Europe's economy. Europe is at the brink of an energy crisis, due to Russia limiting natural gas supplies as tensions continue to escalate over Ukraine. According to industry reports natural gas and electricity prices are estimated to be a 1,000% higher than the levels seen in the last decade.
OpenADR Alliance Making its Mark
By Rolf Bienert, Don Dulchinos, and Shannon Mayette, OpenADR Alliance
Combining OpenADR and EEBUS Equals Full Energy Control
By Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
The energy supply is becoming more and more decentralized and volatile, while at the same time mobility and the heating transition are putting a significant load on the grid. This requires a seamless exchange of information between the grid and energy consumers or generators in residential and commercial buildings. EEBUS provides the standard for energy networking behind the grid connection and thus enables load and tariff management at the point of transfer to the building.
In 2021 we saw things settle back to a more normal state, while still needing to stay flexible and resilient to steer new virus variants, travel mandates, etc. Although in person participation for events was limited the OpenADR Alliance hosted a number of webinars with key partners including a two-day OpenADR Summit. This event included presentations from industry experts and was open to all professionals interested in gaining a better understanding of how the OpenADR standard is being applied in the electricity market and other distribution system reliability activities. You can find the 2021-webinar information at https://www.openadr.org/webinar-series and https://www.openadr.org/virtual-openadr-summit-2021.
In addition to the above, we participated in close to a dozen industry events including DistribuTECH+ where we moderated a virtual panel session Beyond the Plug with panelists from Xcel Energy, Ford Motor, General Motors and Detroit Energy. We wrapped up 2021 at Enlit Europe in Milan, Italy where we showcased the latest developments with OpenADR adoption in Europe, which includes deployments by utilities and their partners in the U.K. and Germany.
GUEST Q&A Blog with Michel Kohanim, CEO of Universal Devices
-Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
The OpenADR 2.0 Demand Response Program Guide was designed to further the interoperability of products certified as OpenADR compliant. The certification program is a simple add-on to the current OpenADR 2.0b Profile Certification that is being required by utilities worldwide. To date a number of utilities and manufacturers support the DR Program Guide and certification program.
Guest Blog Q&A with Jan Klube, EVP, Engineering, Electriq Power
By Rolf Bienert, Technical and Managing Director, OpenADR Alliance
It is exciting to see more members participating in the OpenADR 2.0 DR Program testing and certification program. This is key in getting other members on board to participate in the program so utilities can benefit from the value it provides.
