We spoke with Jan Hanus, director of ORGREZ ECO, about why flexible hybrid systems, smart data management, and digitization represent the way forward.
Why is data so crucial for the energy sector today?
Without data, it is impossible to manage a modern and sustainable energy sector, which largely relies on renewable sources in combination with conventional technologies, but which also experiences fluctuations in production and, consequently, more dynamic price fluctuations. The transformation of the heating industry and the search for an economically and ecologically optimal mix of sources is similar. In both cases, it is possible to benefit from a positive mix of sources, especially when data is properly evaluated and the system can continuously respond to changes in the market, weather, and its own needs. Our systems collect and evaluate information, and thanks to predictions, we can manage operations in real time. This is the only way to decide when to start cogeneration, use storage, or limit production.
What practical benefits do you see in prediction and digitization?
Predictions enable production and consumption to be dynamically adjusted in response to all stimuli. Digitization gives heating plants and municipalities a tool to optimize operations, reduce costs and emissions, and strengthen network stability. Data becomes an active part of decision-making, not just a basis for reports.
There is often talk of replacing coal with natural gas or biomass. How do you view these simple solutions?
Each solution has its advantages, but also its limitations. Biomass, most often in the form of wood chips, is a limited resource, and its use should be regulated with a view to minimizing logistical demands and ensuring sustainable extraction. This is also the direction taken by general legislation, such as the RED III directive. We must consider natural gas a noble fuel—it provides great flexibility and allows us to compensate for all fluctuations and outages, but we must keep an eye on price volatility and the geopolitical situation. Gas is suitable for use as a backup, peak load source, and flexible source, ideally in cogeneration. One hundred percent utilization of electrification and renewable energy sources, such as a combination of photovoltaics, wind power plants, and heat pumps, is currently unthinkable in the Czech Republic, but this does not prevent their maximum deployment in the warmer half of the year. Therefore, flexible hybrid systems are the most sensible option, both economically and technically.
What are the advantages of such systems?
It is a well-coordinated combination of proven technologies – cogeneration, gas, biomass, photovoltaics, heat pumps, storage, and waste heat – and is the most sustainable option both economically and environmentally. Of course, not all of them are used at once – each location, output, and style of use has its own specifics. The goal is to be able to choose a combination that provides sufficient energy at the best price, maximizes the use of surplus power from renewable energy sources, allows heating plants to store solid fuels for the winter, and enables the efficient use of gas. Diversity also means greater security – if one source fails, the system does not collapse.
Your company has introduced Envision. How does it fit into the digitization of energy?
Envision is an advanced solution for digitizing and automating ESG reporting. Companies today have a huge amount of environmental data, but often don't know how to process it effectively. Envision can collect and analyze this data and transform it into comprehensible outputs in line with European standards. This is a huge relief for customers—less manual work and more room for strategic decisions, including investments in energy. The goal is regular updates that provide companies with useful feedback and transform the bureaucratic burden of ESG into real benefits and opportunities for businesses. Envision can also be used for applications other than ESG reporting itself.
Can you give a specific example?
We are currently preparing a thermal energy concept for the city of Bratislava focused on decarbonization. Based on data collected and evaluated using Envison, a decarbonization model will be created and plans for the city's modernization will be drawn up, taking into account the economic viability of investments and the prioritization of individual measures over time. The city will thus have at its disposal not only a strategic document but also a practical decision-making tool and will be able to respond flexibly to changes in the market and legislation.
Bratislava is a large city. Can something similar be applied to smaller towns and municipalities to help bring about a comprehensive energy transition?
Smaller towns and municipalities can take advantage of the creation of standardized documents with subsidy support. Currently, this involves SECAP+, which helps local governments put strategies into practice. It maps consumption, the state of networks, and the availability of resources, and shows the way to savings and decarbonization. All this is combined with the impact on the landscape and conditions for a pleasant life, which I personally consider to be one of our country's greatest treasures. The key is choosing the right partner who can guide municipalities through the entire process—from analysis to implementation—and who also has a nationwide energy perspective.
What do you think is the key to a successful energy transition?
Combining technical know-how with data analytics and automation. Once municipalities, heating plants, and network operators start managing resources based on predictions and real-time data, they will get stable, cheaper, and cleaner energy. Data and digitalization are the keys to an economically sustainable energy transition.