With rising energy costs, grid reliability challenges, and a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, more businesses are turning to energy generation services to take control of their energy needs, cut costs, and future-proof their operations.
But what exactly are ‘Generation Services’, and how can they benefit your business? In this article, we break down the advantages, how your organisation can create additional revenue streams, and why partnering with Acacia Energy can streamline the process.
What are energy generation services?
Energy generation services involve the creation of new revenue from the installed or new renewable energy assets, as well as the installation, management, and optimisation of on-site energy generation assets. On site energy generations assets could include solar panels, bio-fuel generators, or other renewable energy technologies.
Energy generation assets allow businesses to generate their own electricity, either to operate independently or to supplement grid power. Businesses may then choose to have their assets managed by an external provider who can monitor these assets and are set up to participate in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
From initial consultation and system design to installation and ongoing management, generation services ensure businesses have a reliable and efficient energy source tailored to their needs. Companies like Acacia Energy provide comprehensive solutions to help businesses transition to on-site energy generation and optimise their energy usage while generating revenue.
How energy generation services benefit businesses
Some businesses install various energy generation assets without considering how to manage them effectively over time. Without proper oversight, these businesses may miss opportunities to save costs and generate revenue because their assets are not deployed optimally throughout the day.
This is where generation services add value. Experts like Acacia Energy use advanced proprietary software (such as the Optimisation and Bid Engine (OBE) platform) to monitor real-time electricity prices and the AEMO spot market. By autonomously deploying idle assets at the most advantageous times, they help businesses maximise grid-side savings, generate revenue, and avoid peak demand charges.
Generation Management as a Service (GMaaS)
To maximise the benefits of on-site energy generation, businesses can explore generation management as a service (GMaaS). This service goes beyond simply installing energy assets; it involves proactive monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation of energy generation systems to ensure they deliver peak performance and revenue.
Acacia Energy acts on the behalf of businesses to provide access to the AEMO wholesale spot market and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) market, allowing businesses to sell excess energy while avoiding investment in specialist market-compliant systems.
With GMaaS, businesses benefit from expert management, ongoing technical support, and real-time insights into their energy generation efficiency. By outsourcing the day-to-day management of their energy systems, businesses can focus on their core operations while knowing their energy needs are in expert hands.
The Optimisation and Bid Engine (OBE) platform
One key reason that businesses may choose to outsource generation management is that external consultants have the expertise and the right software to best manage that business’ assets.
One example is Acacia Energy’s proprietary cloud-based software which is designed to maximise results for businesses. The Optimisation and Bid Engine (OBE) platform manages the supply of electricity to operations from both the grid and behind-the-meter renewable energy assets to achieve the lowest cost of electricity supply every five minutes.
The OBE platform autonomously controls the behind-the-meter generation assets (such as battery storage and bio-diesel generators) to operate when the wholesale spot market price is favourable. If there is the opportunity to participate in the wholesale spot market, the business’ assets will automatically begin generating and exporting energy without interrupting core business operations. The business that owns the assets gets paid every time the generation operates, opening a new passive revenue stream that further offsets energy costs.
The OBE platform doesn’t just generate revenue; it also avoids costly peak demand charges that can set electricity prices at a higher-than-average rate for an entire year. The OBE platform autonomously operates each renewable energy solution to cap network peak demand charges and avoid costly price spikes.
All of this happens while simultaneously ensuring continuous energy supply to business operations, so that there are no costly interruptions to power supply. By outsourcing management of their energy generation assets, businesses can ensure they’re achieving maximum cost savings with minimal time and effort.
Generation services in action at AustCo Polar Storage
Following the installation of their renewable energy technology stack (which included 400kW Solar PV System and a 700 kVA backup generator) AustCo Polar Storage engaged Acacia Energy to manage the generation services on a 7-year contract.
Generation services for AustCo included autonomous monitoring via the OBE platform to ensure they were achieving the lowest cost energy every 5 minutes. If there was a peak demand event, the generator would kick in to avoid costly demand charges, and when the AEMO spot price was high, the same generator (if idle) could generate and export excess energy, earning revenue for the business.
The results were a huge 67% reduction in their energy costs and improved energy security.
How businesses can get started with energy generation services
Getting started with energy generation services is a straightforward process with the right partner. Here are the steps to take:
- Consultation and energy assessment – Work with a generation services provider like Acacia Energy to assess your current energy usage, operational needs, and opportunities for on-site energy generation.
- System design and planning – Based on your energy goals and requirements, a tailored energy generation system will be designed. This could include solar panels, battery storage, bio-fuel generators, or hybrid solutions.
- Installation and commissioning – Your chosen provider will handle the installation, testing, and commissioning of the energy generation assets, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
- Ongoing management and optimisation – To maximise system performance, consider opting for a management solution such as GMaaS. This ensures your energy generation system operates efficiently and delivers maximum value.
Future-proof your business with energy generation services
Energy generation services offer businesses a way to reduce costs, improve resilience, and generate revenue.
Acacia Energy specialises in providing tailored energy generation solutions and expert management services to help businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to install renewable energy assets or need ongoing generation management, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with Acacia Energy today to start your journey towards a smarter, greener energy future.
