Meteomatics Case Studies Accurate Solar Power Forecasts for Stadtwerke Munich: A Case Study

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	Accurate Solar Power Forecasts for Stadtwerke Munich: A Case Study Meteomatics

Accurate Solar Power Forecasts for Stadtwerke Munich: A Case Study

Meteomatics

Technology Category	Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration Sensors - Utility Meters
Applicable Industries	Electrical Grids Renewable Energy
Applicable Functions	Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Autonomous Transport Systems Vehicle-to-Infrastructure
Services	System Integration
Challenge	Stadtwerke München, one of the largest energy and infrastructure companies in Germany, was facing challenges in accurately forecasting solar power production. The production of solar power and other renewable energies is highly dependent on weather conditions, making it difficult to predict the amount of electricity that can be produced. This unpredictability posed a problem for Stadtwerke München's day-to-day electricity trading business and the integration of solar power into the electricity market. Inaccurate forecasts could lead to increased costs as balancing energy, usually purchased at a high price, would have to be used if there was a deviation from the specified amount of electricity that a company could provide. Furthermore, accurate power forecasts are essential for the successful and economical integration of renewables into the electricity market, especially as solar power and other renewables continue to expand. Read More
About Customer	Stadtwerke München (SWM) is one of the largest energy and infrastructure companies in Germany. They supply the city with energy (electricity, natural gas, district heating, district cooling) and with fresh drinking water in a safe and climate-friendly manner. SWM also operates 18 indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Its transport subsidiary MVG is responsible for environmentally and urbanely compatible mobility with the subway, bus, and streetcar as well as with new innovative mobility solutions. SWM is investing in the further expansion of renewable energy generation for electricity, heating, and cooling, in the nationwide expansion of fiber optics and in the electrification of private transport. In cooperation with strong partners, SWM continues to develop proven concepts and drive innovations forward. Read More
Solution	Meteomatics provided Stadtwerke München with precise solar power forecasts, taking into account various factors that influence the accuracy of the forecasts. These factors include the availability and integration of high-resolution and precise weather data, such as radiation, UV index, cloud cover, temperature, and many more. Other influencing factors considered are the characteristics of the solar power plant, such as the installed capacity, the tilt angle of the solar panels, the orientation, and other technical specifications. The forecasts are also continuously improved by comparing them with the live data of the power plants. After several months of market screening, Stadtwerke München decided to use Meteomatics' forecasts, which take into account first-class weather data, the technical conditions of the power plant, and the actual quantities of electricity produced. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration

Sensors - Utility Meters

Applicable Industries

Electrical Grids

Renewable Energy

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Autonomous Transport Systems

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure

Services

System Integration

Challenge

Stadtwerke München, one of the largest energy and infrastructure companies in Germany, was facing challenges in accurately forecasting solar power production. The production of solar power and other renewable energies is highly dependent on weather conditions, making it difficult to predict the amount of electricity that can be produced. This unpredictability posed a problem for Stadtwerke München's day-to-day electricity trading business and the integration of solar power into the electricity market. Inaccurate forecasts could lead to increased costs as balancing energy, usually purchased at a high price, would have to be used if there was a deviation from the specified amount of electricity that a company could provide. Furthermore, accurate power forecasts are essential for the successful and economical integration of renewables into the electricity market, especially as solar power and other renewables continue to expand.

About Customer

Stadtwerke München (SWM) is one of the largest energy and infrastructure companies in Germany. They supply the city with energy (electricity, natural gas, district heating, district cooling) and with fresh drinking water in a safe and climate-friendly manner. SWM also operates 18 indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Its transport subsidiary MVG is responsible for environmentally and urbanely compatible mobility with the subway, bus, and streetcar as well as with new innovative mobility solutions. SWM is investing in the further expansion of renewable energy generation for electricity, heating, and cooling, in the nationwide expansion of fiber optics and in the electrification of private transport. In cooperation with strong partners, SWM continues to develop proven concepts and drive innovations forward.

Solution

Meteomatics provided Stadtwerke München with precise solar power forecasts, taking into account various factors that influence the accuracy of the forecasts. These factors include the availability and integration of high-resolution and precise weather data, such as radiation, UV index, cloud cover, temperature, and many more. Other influencing factors considered are the characteristics of the solar power plant, such as the installed capacity, the tilt angle of the solar panels, the orientation, and other technical specifications. The forecasts are also continuously improved by comparing them with the live data of the power plants. After several months of market screening, Stadtwerke München decided to use Meteomatics' forecasts, which take into account first-class weather data, the technical conditions of the power plant, and the actual quantities of electricity produced.

Impact #1	The implementation of Meteomatics' precise solar power forecasts has significantly improved Stadtwerke München's day-to-day electricity trading business and the integration of solar power into the electricity market. The forecasts have not only optimized cost but also facilitated the successful integration of renewable energies into the power grid. This has been crucial in driving the energy transition both technically and economically and is of central importance for the change towards more sustainable energy. The forecasts have also been instrumental in the expansion of Stadtwerke München's renewable energy efforts, which include over 40 photovoltaic and solar thermal plants in the Munich region alone, two solar parks in Germany, and a solar power plant in Spain, with further plants planned.

Impact #1

The implementation of Meteomatics' precise solar power forecasts has significantly improved Stadtwerke München's day-to-day electricity trading business and the integration of solar power into the electricity market. The forecasts have not only optimized cost but also facilitated the successful integration of renewable energies into the power grid. This has been crucial in driving the energy transition both technically and economically and is of central importance for the change towards more sustainable energy. The forecasts have also been instrumental in the expansion of Stadtwerke München's renewable energy efforts, which include over 40 photovoltaic and solar thermal plants in the Munich region alone, two solar parks in Germany, and a solar power plant in Spain, with further plants planned.

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Overview

Accurate Solar Power Forecasts for Stadtwerke Munich: A Case Study

Operational Impact