OPTIMAX Enhances Energy Planning for Modern Firms

• ABB’s OPTIMAX system helps businesses optimize energy use and costs by forecasting market trends and managing decentralized resources.

Navigating Volatile Energy Markets

Renewable energy sources offer cost-effective solutions, yet their availability fluctuates, often leading to price instability. ABB’s OPTIMAX platform addresses this challenge by enabling precise timing of energy consumption, which is particularly beneficial for companies with high energy demands. During sunny or windy conditions, solar and wind systems generate sufficient power, but in low-production periods—especially in winter—traditional plants must compensate. These shifts influence market prices and encourage businesses to align consumption with real-time conditions.

The principle behind this adjustment is known as the “merit order,” which prioritizes energy sources based on production cost. Renewable sources are used first, followed by more expensive options like gas and coal. The highest-cost source still needed to meet demand sets the market price. As a result, electricity prices often exceed the actual supply-demand equilibrium.

Decentralized Production and Smart Forecasting

To mitigate high costs, companies are investing in decentralized energy systems such as solar panels, combined heat and power units, and storage solutions. These assets allow firms to rely on their own energy during peak price periods, reducing dependence on grid electricity and even feeding surplus back into the network. When prices are low, consumption can be increased or storage units replenished for future use. Accurate forecasting of price movements is essential to maximize these benefits.

OPTIMAX supports this process by analyzing short-term and long-term market trends. In brief low-price windows, stored energy may fully cover operational needs, while sustained high prices call for gradual shifts to internal sources. The system’s predictive capabilities help users make informed decisions based on anticipated conditions. According to ABB’s Niclas Esch, OPTIMAX enables flexible, cost-conscious planning by visualizing upcoming market dynamics.

Integration with Energy Markets and Real-Time Control

Beyond internal optimization, OPTIMAX connects directly to energy exchanges, offering forecasts for electricity and gas prices as well as consumption patterns. Based on this data, the system generates tailored schedules to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For companies looking to sell energy, OPTIMAX facilitates automated trading through platforms like HUPX. It calculates available volumes and communicates them via a virtual power plant interface to potential buyers.

Real-time control of production, storage, and consumption allows businesses to respond instantly to market shifts. During expensive periods, grid usage can be minimized automatically, preserving resources and lowering expenses. Esch notes that OPTIMAX provides clear guidance in unpredictable environments, helping firms remain competitive while managing energy budgets responsibly. Since joining ABB in 2020, Esch has focused on developing solutions that align energy strategy with operational needs.