2024-11-08

Navigating the New Energy Landscape: Insights from Aden Energies’ Leo Liang

Leo Liang, Vice-President of Aden Energies , shares insights on the evolving energy market in China and its implications for businesses. With a long career in clean energy, including renewables, virtual power plants, and storage, Leo provides a unique perspective on how companies can navigate these changes and seize new opportunities.

Q: China’s energy market is going through significant reforms. How do these power system changes help businesses in their efforts to save energy and reduce emissions?

Leo Liang: The ongoing power system reform is making the electricity market more open and competitive, which has several benefits for businesses. These changes improve the overall safety and efficiency of the power grid and introduce better governance mechanisms. As a result, businesses gain access to a fairer and more balanced electricity environment. This, in turn, encourages them to take proactive steps in energy management and adopt energy-saving measures.

Reforms also support the growing demand for green electricity and help overcome integration challenges faced by renewable energy producers. This has been a major driver for innovations like virtual power plants (VPPs) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, which are vital for balancing renewable energy use and maintaining grid stability.

Q: What kind of impact do these market changes have on the building sector specifically?

Leo Liang: The building sector is especially sensitive to changes in the electricity spot market, as shifts can influence both power availability and costs. To stay competitive, businesses in this sector need to closely monitor these changes and respond proactively. Developing strategic power procurement plans, leveraging energy management solutions, and adopting energy-efficient technologies are key to maintaining sustainability and operational stability.

Strong relationships with energy suppliers are also crucial. These partnerships ensure that power supplies remain reliable and that businesses can adapt to market dynamics without facing significant disruptions.

Q: Can you share examples of how businesses are adapting to these challenges and making the most of new opportunities?

Leo Liang: One example that comes to mind is our collaboration with the Honeywell Suzhou plant. Aden Energies signed a 20-year agreement to create an integrated system that combines renewable energy and microgrid optimization. This project aimed to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability at Honeywell.

Through peak-load shifting, we were able to lower energy consumption and store renewable energy for later use. This allowed Honeywell’s operations to run on 100% renewable power for their vehicle fleet, reducing energy costs by 10%. Additionally, we provided future-proofing solutions that included operations and maintenance services and room for future clean energy integrations, such as EV charging stations.

Q: How important is digital transformation in achieving these energy goals?

Leo Liang: Digital transformation is absolutely critical. For example, we leveraged our Akila digital twin platform at the Honeywell project. This platform allows for real-time monitoring, maintenance, and automated optimization of the energy system. By digitalizing energy management, we helped enhance energy efficiency and ensure sustainability. The benefits of such digital tools extend beyond just one project; they provide a scalable solution for businesses looking to adapt to an increasingly complex energy market.

Q: What can businesses expect from these types of integrated projects in terms of long-term benefits?

Leo Liang: In the Honeywell Suzhou example, they are committed to sourcing 100% of their power from solar panels over the next 15 years. Additionally, their energy storage system will manage power distribution for up to 10 years, given battery life conditions. This kind of integrated system offers substantial savings—estimated at about 5% in power expenses—and significantly contributes to long-term sustainability goals.

Q: What lessons can other companies take from this approach?

Leo Liang: The key takeaway is that adapting to new market challenges requires more than just reactive measures. It’s about strategic planning, leveraging the right partnerships, and being open to innovation. Embracing digital tools, investing in renewable and storage solutions, and building a resilient energy strategy are crucial for turning market challenges into opportunities. Aden Energies is committed to guiding businesses through these steps and helping them achieve sustainable and stable energy solutions.