Living Lab cuts power peaks by 80 percent

In Trollhättan, an experiment is underway in the middle of a vibrant industrial area - a Living Lab - where the electricity system of the future is being tested in a real environment, among companies, vehicles, buildings and people. The unique results show that it is possible to dramatically reduce power consumption. In some cases, by as much as 80%, without compromising operation, growth or electrification.

As society's electricity needs increase, many regions face the challenge of supplying electricity for industrial transition, new businesses, homes and electric vehicles - without overloading the grid. Living Lab Trollhättan shows how local control, collaboration and digital intelligence can solve this equation. An example of how electrification, growth and sustainable development can be combined, without waiting for grid expansion.

Flexibility in practice - lowered peaks, increased capacity

The area around Kardanvägen, where Trollhättan's Living Lab is taking place, sees around 5,000 people and 3,000 vehicles on a daily basis, with over 700 parking spaces. With an annual electricity demand of 40 GWh and a peak power of up to 10 MW, the site is a clear example of the load on the grid - and how it can be managed and optimized.

By measuring and controlling energy consumption during critical hours, mainly in the mornings from Monday to Thursday, power consumption has been reduced by up to 80% in some contexts. Overall, the results show double-digit percentage reductions, freeing up capacity for more electric vehicles, new charging points and continued industrial growth - without exceeding grid limits.

- This is flexibility in action. It's not about turning off electricity, but about using it smarter - when it's really needed," says Magnus Kuschel, Innovation Manager at Innovatum Science Park.

World firsts - in an industrial setting

The testing activities have tested solutions in a way that has not been done before, either in Sweden or globally. The results are unique in the world and show opportunities especially for industrial areas. There have been solutions for individual operations, such as load balancing within factories, or services that respond to national price signals. But optimizing at the area level - with a mix of factories, housing and services - is unique to the Living Lab in Trollhättan, which has been running since late autumn 2024.  

- "The fact that we're now working together to test concrete solutions for the electrically flexible industry of the future - in practical terms, with Assemblin Charge - enables more than the necessary transition. It provides the leadership for good development," says Lars Borgström, Business Developer at Assemblin El.

Technology and collaboration - keys to the electricity system of the future

Living Lab Trollhättan includes over 1,500 smart sensors. A number of companies have linked control systems with data collection from machines, buildings, vehicles and electric car chargers. Each device has its own power profile and together they create a power pattern that determines the load on the grid.

Optimizing the whole - rather than each part separately - frees up several megawatts of capacity, all without expanding the infrastructure. A key lesson is the need for detailed measurement data to quickly identify patterns and make decisions.

- We show that electrification and fossil independence are possible through smart control and co-development, rather than through new power lines," emphasizes Jenny Andersson, project manager from Trollhättan Energi.

Scalable model for other cities

Combining technology with human interaction has proven to be crucial for creating real benefits. Experience shows the importance of understanding behaviors, involving businesses and using decision support in practice. Flexibility is not just about hardware - it is also about new ways of working, training and changing business practices.

- Living Lab Trollhättan serves as a learning hub where insights on data management, visualization and agile governance prepare both people and technology for a more electrified future. The goal is not only to solve Trollhättan's challenges, but to create a model that can be used in other cities and regions, says Magnus Kuschel.

Living Lab Trollhättan is part of the project, Fyrbodal for the Flex of the Future, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and run by Trollhättan Energi, Innovatum Science Park, Kraftstaden, University West, Fyrbodal Municipal Association and several local actors. The aim is to show how smart, local power management can reduce the need for costly expansion of the electricity grid and at the same time create the conditions for electrification on a larger scale.