Industrial FCA Assessment

From FCA assessment to implementation—the FfE-Fraunhofer all-in-one service

Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs) are becoming increasingly important for implementing industrial electrification projects despite limited grid capacity. Through the Industrial FCA Assessment, the Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE), the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, and the Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP) at the University of Stuttgart offer a joint consulting service for industrial companies. The goal is to evaluate the suitability of flexible grid connection agreements on a site-specific basis, identify options for action, and develop a structured implementation plan.

Grid bottlenecks are slowing down industrial transformation

The electrification of industrial processes is a key prerequisite for achieving climate goals and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of German industry. At the same time, many companies are encountering limited grid connection capacities as they seek to implement their projects. The required connection capacity for new heat pumps, electric boilers, production facilities, or charging infrastructure is often not available on short notice.

While grid expansion takes several years, companies are already facing investment decisions today. Flexible grid connection agreements can offer a potential solution by making additional connection capacity available under defined conditions. However, structuring such agreements is complex and requires a detailed assessment of their operational and economic impacts.

Customization is the key to success

The Industrial FCA Assessment helps companies address key questions related to flexible grid connection agreements:

• Is an FCA generally suitable for the specific location?
• What FCA structures are feasible?
• What are the implications for operations, electrification strategy, and economic viability?
• What technical and organizational prerequisites must be met?
• What are the next steps required for successful implementation?

The result is a sound basis for decision-making regarding how to address grid capacity bottlenecks and implement planned electrification projects.

From Load Profile to FCA Decision

The suitability of a flexible grid connection agreement can only be assessed by considering the interplay between load profiles, electrification needs, and operational requirements. Therefore, the analysis of historical load data and planned load increases forms the starting point of the Industrial FCA Assessment. Based on this, different FCA structures are discussed and evaluated in terms of their technical feasibility and their impact on business operations.

The result is a well-founded basis for decision-making regarding how to address grid capacity bottlenecks moving forward. Companies receive a site-specific action plan with concrete recommendations for action and can then work with the project partners to move forward with the further design, negotiation, and implementation of an FCA solution.

The Project Consortium

The Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE) brings extensive experience in the areas of grid connection, grid regulation, Flexible Connection Agreements, and energy economic analysis. In particular, the FfE provides support in assessing regulatory frameworks, evaluating various FCA structures, and developing a site-specific action plan.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) has many years of experience in industrial energy system planning and the transformation of production sites. Within the project, the focus is on analyzing industrial requirements and evaluating technological and operational options.

The Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP) at the University of Stuttgart complements the consortium with its expertise in the modeling, simulation, and optimization of industrial energy systems. This enables the evaluation of various scenarios and flexibility options in terms of their technical and economic impacts.

By combining energy-economic, technological, and industrial perspectives, a holistic decision-making framework is created for the evaluation, design, and implementation of flexible grid connection solutions.