Energy hubs in pictures: creating clarity with visualizations
Explaining an energy hub in a single image? With a clear visualization, complex technology becomes understandable – for everyone. At GreenTrust, we work with municipalities, energy cooperatives, energy companies and local entrepreneurs on sustainable energy. That often starts with a good conversation. And the easiest way to start that conversation is with a clear drawing.
Energy hub visualizations – also for other energy projects
We use these visualizations not only for energy hubs, but also for other energy projects – from wind and solar to storage and grid connections. One of the reasons we use them for energy hubs is precisely because this is currently a hot issue for many regions and stakeholders.
With our visualizations, we make complex systems like energy hubs understandable at a glance. So you can make choices faster, bring people along and work together with confidence.
“An energy hub is like a seesaw in the playground,” says Bojan Antonijević, visualization expert at GreenTrust. “On one side you have producers, on the other side users. The energy hub keeps the whole thing in balance.”
Why visualizations are useful at an energy hub
An energy hub is a smart interconnection of energy generation, storage and use. But explaining that connection to various stakeholders – from policymakers to residents, and energy cooperatives to businesses – can be challenging. That’s why we draw it out. Energy hubs also often play a role in questions of grid congestion and smart control of generation, storage and consumption.
Our visualizations:
- make ideas tangible;
- provide overview for all involved;
- accelerate the conversation between parties.
“A drawing gives you a quick understanding of the possibilities without having to dive into technical details right away,” Bojan said. “You can see at a glance how generation, storage and consumption are related.”
Example: visualization of Citizen Wind Farm A2 Lage Rooijen
A concrete example is the drawing Bojan made for the expansion of Citizen Wind Farm A2 Lage Rooijen. In one overview, we show what the plan is, with:
- the existing three wind turbines;
- the planned expansion by two additional turbines;
- battery storage and charging stations;
- and surrounding business parks with potential for cooperation.
The visualization is used in discussions with local businesses, energy cooperatives and energy parties. The advantage? You immediately see what is there now and what will be possible – without any technical discussions beforehand. The drawing also helps to look for good solutions together. In this way you can see step by step what is already there, what will be added and what choices will be left open later.
Overview first, then details
Our visualizations are directional: not technical end products, but clear sketches that provide information at a glance and spark conversation. They are valuable at every stage of a project. Whether you are just beginning to explore the possibilities of an energy hub, or are a step ahead, they help convey the idea quickly and clearly.
The drawing is topographically correct, but not yet a final technical design. For example: cable routes and exact positions will be worked out later. Bojan: “”It’s not about technical details, but about the big picture. I see these visualizations as a starting point – they provide just enough insight to open the conversation and think further together. If you’re curious about how that works for your project, be sure to let me know.”
From input to image
Good input is essential for this. Bojan works with current topographic data, GIS maps and spatial information. Together with colleagues from different disciplines – from development to construction and management – he creates visualizations that fit both the reality and the ambition of each project.
He starts with the basics: existing connections and the environment. Then he looks at site boundary conditions, such as space and routes.
Sharpening together what is possible
When it comes to electrical connections, he always looks for the best solution together with colleagues. That way the story is technically correct and it stays clear.
It helps parties see opportunities and bottlenecks more quickly. This can lead to less waste and smarter local use of energy. The next step is to link the drawing to figures, such as generation and consumption per party. This not only creates a visual, but also a substantive overview.
Want to know more?
Do you also want to visually map out your energy hub or energy project? Or are you curious how a drawing can help move your idea or plan forward? Get in touch with Bojan.