Grid congestion is becoming an increasing barrier to sustainability. On paper, many buildings simply do not seem suitable for becoming completely gas-free because the available electricity capacity is insufficient. The ‘Mercado’ project by the Municipality of Eindhoven proves that it is possible after all, using smart software instead of heavy hardware.
From gas-fired to fully electric
Before the renovation, Mercado was heated with gas-fired boilers. These have been replaced by electric heat pumps, with the ambition of creating a completely gas-free building. A major challenge in this regard: the existing electricity connection could not be upgraded. Thanks to a combination of fine-grained building control (B-grid) for lighting and ventilation, among other things, and a smart software approach, Mercado is now a gas-free building without an expansion of the electrical connection.
Smart control instead of upgrading
Although the improved control of lighting and ventilation provided additional energy savings, this was insufficient to handle peaks in electricity consumption during cold days. This is precisely where the risk of grid congestion lies. The solution was found in the dynamic control system of SVGG/!MPULS (DWA and Kuijpers), developed in collaboration with Integer Technologies B.V., an Eindhoven-based startup specializing in smart energy and climate control.
With this software, electricity demand is actively managed and spread throughout the day. Based on weather forecasts, historical building data, and artificial intelligence (AI), the system anticipates future heat demand and prevents unwanted consumption peaks. As a result, no batteries, no additional hardware, and no upgraded grid connection were required. Initial analyses show that this approach is working effectively at Mercado.
A sustainable alternative to hardware solutions
Many sustainability projects currently stall due to grid congestion. Large battery packs or other hardware-intensive systems are often installed as a temporary solution. These solutions are costly, take up space, and are not always circular or future-proof. The approach at Mercado shows that there is another way. With smart software, it is possible to make many more buildings gas-free without putting additional strain on the electricity grid. This makes the solution not only economically attractive but also truly sustainable.
Collaboration as the key to success
This project was realized thanks to the close collaboration between: DWA Consultancy | Kuijpers | Brink | Ballast Nedam Zuid | DOOR architecten | rudy uytenhaak + partners architecten | Municipality of Eindhoven.
Integer Technologies is proud to contribute to future-proof buildings with its technology and to offer a practical solution for one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition: grid congestion.