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When grid congestion increasingly impacts daily operations and growth stagnates as a result, swift action is required. Murre Technologies therefore opted for a battery in collaboration with COMCAM, enabling it to secure continuity and expansion plans. The family business with 40 FTEs is growing rapidly—around 20% per year—and works with solar panels and increasingly intensive energy consumption. This combination means that Murre is increasingly encountering grid congestion due to insufficient connection capacity. “We expect to double our energy consumption in five years, so a solution must be prepared for that.”
Murre Technologies develops and manufactures high-quality process and production lines for customers in the international food processing industry. The Krabbendijke-based organization is known for its innovative total solutions and continuous investment in new production locations. The growing production capacity means that not only Murre Technologies itself is growing, but also its partners in the chain, including one of the larger global players in fried onions. Because the more Murre scales up, the more all connected parties benefit from its innovative technologies and efficient processes.
Jan Murre, CEO of Murre Technologies, knew that if you want to continue to innovate and grow, you also have to use energy wisely. A well-thought-out energy procurement strategy, based on realistic calculations and independent advice, is therefore not a side issue, but a pure necessity for stable costs, reliable production, and sustainable growth. This is certainly true given Murre’s ambition to make even more use of self-generated solar energy from solar panels.
A decade-long collaboration
Murre Technologies has been working closely with COMCAM for almost a decade. Ten years ago, Jan Murre was looking for a partner who could help with energy management and energy procurement.
“When looking at our energy bills, I was always struck by how high the costs were. I also didn’t understand how to comprehend or manage everything related to energy. We simply didn’t know enough about the industry. From the outset, COMCAM explained step by step how they work and how they manage energy procurement for us. And we went along with that.” The result? In the first few years alone, we achieved savings of around 40% on energy procurement. “We can’t do without energy, and therefore we can’t do without COMCAM; without them, everything would come to a standstill.”
Development and change as a basis for growth
From that moment on, the agreement was simple: whenever something changes in Murre Technologies’ energy profile, they call in COMCAM. And they have done so frequently in recent years: when purchasing solar panels, selling GOs, expanding production, and now with the congestion issue.
COMCAM supports Murre in their entire Energy Portfolio Management, says Business Development Manager Machiel Joosse. “This means that we provide their energy procurement, consultancy, and support completely independently. As soon as there are developments that affect their energy profile, they involve us. And that has been working to their complete satisfaction for years. This was also the case for the latest development: the purchase of a battery.”
The problem: grid congestion slows growth
Due to rapid growth, peak exceedances were becoming increasingly common. In consultation with Stedin, it became clear that a battery was the only sustainable solution to reduce this, remain within the contract, and continue the company’s growth.
Jan Murre himself thought of a 600 kWh battery and, as agreed, immediately called in COMCAM: “We thought: let’s buy a battery, then we can move forward. But we wanted to be sure it was a wise decision. So we asked COMCAM: what do we really need?”
The approach: a completely independent analysis
Within two weeks, COMCAM delivered a comprehensive profile analysis, a calculation of the actual battery requirement, a forecast for production and consumption in the event of future growth, and an estimate of potential income from congestion services. COMCAM looked at all plots, production peaks, solar energy yields, and various growth scenarios. “They showed us in
clear graphs exactly what happens to our energy. Even in scenarios where we grow by 50%. This explanation finally made it clear and understandable to a layman.”
The result: much less kWh needed
COMCAM’s analysis and calculations showed that Murre Technologies’ previous estimate was too high. A battery of only 20 to 30 kWh was already sufficient to eliminate peak surges and partially buffer solar energy efficiently. Initially, the battery will be optimized for the short-term and imbalance market. In the long term, this solution offers flexibility for the grid operator, allows Murre to receive compensation for availability and capacity supplied, and contributes to a more stable (regional) energy infrastructure.
“Our experts calculate every conceivable scenario; not only the minimum solution, but also the variants that offer strategic advantages,” explains Machiel Joosse. “For example, we investigated how a larger battery could create extra value, provide flexibility, and enable Murre Technologies to receive payments for availability and capacity. And thus contribute to a more stable (regional) energy infrastructure.”
With COMCAM’s advice, Murre approached the supplier, who offered a 750 kWh battery at a reduced price. This resulted in enormous savings on the purchase and also created room for years of growth. Murre ultimately made a conscious decision to opt for the larger battery: an investment that, thanks to COMCAM’s calculations, suddenly made financial sense for the coming years. “We wanted to be sure that we were in a good position for the long term. Thanks to COMCAM, we knew exactly where we stood: transparent, thorough, and well explained.” The battery will be delivered in December and installed in January.
Why independent advice is crucial
On the same day as the consultation with Murre, COMCAM spoke with another company that had purchased a battery costing hundreds of thousands of euros—without any advice—based on an amateurish AI calculation with unrealistic payback periods of 3 to 4 years. This decision led to financial difficulties. The contrast between that situation and the collaboration with Murre demonstrates why independent advice is essential. Batteries are expensive, complex, and have a direct impact on business operations. Moreover, the solution always requires a customized approach. By calculating in advance with a reliable, independent party, you avoid unnecessary investments and risks.
The future: an energy portfolio that grows with you
If it were up to Jan Murre, the customer would definitely continue working with COMCAM in the coming years. “I am more than satisfied with how our problems are being solved.” Soon, Murre will be able to decide for himself when to purchase electricity, for example at night at a lower rate, with COMCAM continuing to advise on the smartest choices.
“COMCAM is effective, thinks along with us about sustainable solutions, and the experts provide targeted advice. We can never say that we have not been well advised. Murre Technologies is ready for a future in which growth, flexibility, and energy security are central.”