Abstract

This study examines how energy intensive process industries in Sweden can reduce peak power demand through two strategies: load shifting and load shifting combined with battery storage. Four industrial sites were investigated, three steel plants and one integrated pulp and board mill. Interviews were conducted at each site to determine which industrial processes were eligible for load shifting. The identified processes were classified as either shiftable or non-shiftable. Historical consumption data was then aggregated into corresponding groups for use in the load shifting model. The economic impact was evaluated by comparing electricity costs based on spot prices before and after load shifting and load shifting with batteries.

The results show that load shifting reduced approximately 30 percent of the power exceeding the monthly threshold for most sites, though the potential varied significantly depending on the load profile and the flexibility of industrial processes. Sites with short, steep peaks and freely shiftable loads achieved the highest reductions, while sites with large continuous process blocks saw near-zero reduction. Combining load shifting with battery storage improved results at all sites, compensating for the limitations of direct load shifting.

The economic analysis, based on spot prices, shows modest cost reductions. Payback periods ranged from approximately 15 years for the most favorable sites to nearly 50 years for the least favorable. The analysis likely underestimates the true economic potential, as demand charges and grid tariffs were excluded. These cost components could significantly improve the business case, particularly for sites with high and recurring peak demand.