A comprehensive study of energy sharing among German small and medium-sized enterprises reveals that localized renewable distribution can improve grid efficiency while maintaining economic benefits for participating companies. Researchers simulated grid impacts under participant-oriented energy sharing—where businesses prioritize their own consumption over grid optimization—across two distinct scenarios representing 2024 operations and a 2045 highly electrified future.
The analysis leveraged actual load profiles from SMEs across multiple industrial sectors, capturing 30-day measurements from autumn 2024. By running detailed load-flow simulations, the research team assessed how energy sharing affected asset utilization, power flows, and equipment aging costs—a critical metric for long-term grid planning.
Results demonstrate that under current conditions, participant-oriented energy sharing causes no measurable harm to grid operations while reducing aging-related costs by 5.6%. This cost reduction stems from more balanced load distribution and reduced peak demands on distribution infrastructure. In the 2045 stress scenario—simulating significantly higher electricity demand from building heating and transport electrification—grid operating costs rise by 11.7% compared to baseline conditions. Despite this increase, participating companies can retain economic advantages, even when allocated their share of incremental grid costs.
The study identified 22.76 GWh of annual energy-sharing potential, indicating substantial untapped opportunity. This finding is particularly significant for Germany's energy transition strategy, which relies on distributed renewable resources and demand flexibility at the distribution level.
These outcomes suggest that energy sharing can serve as a win-win mechanism: enabling businesses to maximize self-consumption of renewable generation while supporting grid stability without requiring expensive infrastructure upgrades. However, future grid effects remain scenario-dependent, particularly as electrification accelerates. Policymakers should monitor how energy-sharing arrangements evolve as the electricity system becomes increasingly complex and demand-intensive.
