Tarmac takes a flexible stand on bitumen tanks

Demand side response (DSR) company Open Energi has formed a partnership with building materials and sustainable construction company Tarmac which will see the company harness flexible energy demand from Tarmac’s equipment, which will be aggregated to unlock new flexible capacity on the National Grid.

Open Energi is installing its ‘Dynamic Demand’ technology on over 200 bitumen tanks at 70 asphalt plants across the UK – this automatically adjusts power consumption of the tanks to help manage fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. The technology is ideal for use with stored energy devices such as bitumen tanks, says Open Energi, because although they need energy, as long as they operate between expected temperature limits, it does not matter precisely when that energy is used.

Throughout the year, the grid experiences a series of spikes in power demand as millions across Britain tune in to watch their favourite soap or sporting event, and put the kettle on during advert breaks. Responding to these spikes rapidly is critical to ensure the grid is balanced and the lights don’t go out, says Open Energi.

The rollout commenced at the start of 2015 and, to date, Open Energi’s Dynamic Demand technology has been installed at more than 50 of Tarmac’s sites.