Schneider Electric, AVEVA & Royal Avebe advance electrification under grid constraints

Industrial manufacturing, energy management, and smart grid integration are facing increasing pressure from grid congestion across Europe. In this context, Schneider Electric, AVEVA and Royal Avebe have demonstrated an electrification strategy at Avebe’s Foxhol production site in the Netherlands, enabling decarbonization without expanding grid capacity.

The project addresses a growing challenge: limited access to electricity infrastructure. In the Netherlands alone, more than 14,000 businesses are waiting for grid connections, with delays of up to ten years. Across Europe, grid congestion is slowing industrial electrification and delaying clean energy integration.

At the Foxhol site, the partners implemented a system that allows the installation of an industrial electric boiler and the transition away from fossil-fuel heating, while operating within the facility’s existing grid connection. The site also functions as an energy prosumer, capable of both consuming and supporting grid stability.

Electrification within existing grid limits
Instead of relying on grid reinforcement, the solution optimizes how energy is used and managed on-site. By dynamically controlling electrical loads, the system ensures that consumption remains within contracted limits, even as new electrified processes are introduced.

When grid demand increases, non-critical loads can be adjusted or shifted. Conversely, during periods of lower demand or higher renewable availability, the system increases consumption to absorb surplus energy, contributing to overall grid balance.

Integrated digital energy architecture
The solution is based on a unified digital platform that combines power automation, process control and real-time data analytics. Data from more than 1,000 points—including over 500 medium-voltage relays—is consolidated into a single operational interface.

Key components of the architecture include:

This integration enables continuous monitoring and automated decision-making, improving both operational efficiency and energy performance.

Supporting decarbonization and efficiency targets
The electrification strategy contributes directly to Avebe’s sustainability goals, including a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and ongoing improvements in energy efficiency. By replacing fossil-fuel-based heating with electric systems and optimizing energy usage, the site reduces its environmental impact while maintaining production performance.

Replicable model for European industry
The approach demonstrated at Foxhol is designed to be scalable across energy-intensive sectors such as food processing, chemicals and paper production. These industries face similar constraints related to grid access and decarbonization requirements.

By combining electrification with real-time energy intelligence and dynamic load management, the model provides a pathway for manufacturers to reduce emissions without waiting for long-term grid infrastructure upgrades.

The project is being showcased at Hannover Messe 2026 (April 20–24), highlighting how digital energy solutions can support industrial transformation under constrained grid conditions.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

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