Schneider Electric and Royal Avebe Demonstrate Scalable Industrial Electrification Within Existing Grid Limits at Foxhol Facility

Schneider Electric and Royal Avebe Demonstrate Scalable Industrial Electrification Within Existing Grid Limits at Foxhol Facility

(IN BRIEF) Schneider Electric, Royal Avebe, and AVEVA have demonstrated a practical approach to industrial electrification that works within existing grid limitations, addressing one of Europe’s most pressing energy challenges. At Avebe’s Foxhol plant in the Netherlands, the partners implemented an integrated electrification and energy management strategy that eliminates fossil-fuel heating, introduces an electric boiler, and enables the facility to act as an energy prosumer—all without requiring additional grid capacity. By leveraging real-time data, dynamic load control, and advanced digital systems, the project not only reduces emissions but also supports grid stability. As grid congestion continues to delay industrial decarbonization efforts across Europe, this initiative provides a scalable model for manufacturers seeking to transition to cleaner energy while avoiding long infrastructure wait times.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANNOVER, 24-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Schneider Electric, in collaboration with Royal Avebe and supported by AVEVA, has demonstrated a viable pathway for industrial electrification despite the growing constraints of Europe’s electricity grids, presenting the results at Hannover Messe 2026.

Amid mounting grid congestion across Europe—where thousands of companies face delays of up to a decade for new or upgraded connections—the initiative highlights how industrial decarbonization can still advance within existing infrastructure. In the Netherlands alone, more than 14,000 businesses are currently awaiting grid access, underscoring the urgency of alternative approaches.

At Royal Avebe’s Foxhol production site in Groningen, a complex facility focused on starch derivatives and utilities, the partners successfully implemented electrification measures without exceeding the plant’s existing grid capacity. The project introduced an industrial electric boiler to replace fossil-fuel-based heating while enabling the site to operate as an energy prosumer—both consuming and contributing to the grid.

The initiative demonstrates that electrification does not necessarily require grid reinforcement or entry into capacity queues. Instead, it can be achieved through intelligent energy management and system optimization. By actively balancing electricity demand and supply, the site also contributes to stabilizing the grid and creating opportunities for additional users to connect.

Across Europe, grid congestion has become a critical bottleneck for industrial transformation. More than 1,700 gigawatts of clean energy and electrification projects remain stalled in connection queues, growing rapidly since 2021. In the Netherlands, the challenge is particularly acute, with infrastructure expansion timelines stretching between eight and twelve years. Industry bodies have warned that these delays risk undermining competitiveness and slowing economic progress.

To address these constraints, Avebe worked with Schneider Electric’s advisory experts to redesign the Foxhol plant’s energy strategy from the ground up. The resulting framework integrates unified control of power and processes, advanced real-time energy analytics, and dynamic load management capabilities.

The system aggregates data from over 1,000 sources, including more than 500 smart medium-voltage relays, providing a centralized operational overview. This enables automated adjustments to energy consumption based on grid conditions. During peak demand periods, loads are shifted to remain within contracted limits, while surplus renewable energy can be absorbed when available, supporting overall grid stability.

This approach directly supports Avebe’s sustainability ambitions, including a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and continuous annual improvements in energy efficiency.

The digital backbone of the project combines multiple Schneider Electric technologies, including EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS for process control, the EcoStruxure Electrodynamic Controller for load management, Control HMI for operational visibility, and EPAS for system engineering. Integration with the AVEVA PI System enables comprehensive data consolidation and actionable insights across the facility.

Beyond Foxhol, the model is designed for replication across Europe’s industrial landscape. Sectors such as food and beverage, chemicals, and paper production—key contributors to industrial emissions—can adopt similar strategies to progress toward decarbonization without waiting for large-scale grid upgrades.

Looking ahead, the Foxhol facility is positioned to incorporate on-site renewable energy generation and enhanced IIoT-based asset monitoring, building on its newly established digital infrastructure.

About Royal Avebe
Royal Avebe is a cooperative of approximately 2,000 arable farmers in the Netherlands and Germany. Each year, the starch potatoes of those members are processed into high-grade ingredients based on potato starch and protein. Since August 2025, through the acquisition of Solan in Poland, Avebe also processes potato flakes and granules. All these ingredients add value to food products and feed products, but also to industrial applications worldwide.

Avebe works continuously on developing new opportunities and applications based on starch potatoes and is focused on sustainable continuity. The company has 1,300 employees and production sites in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland (Solan) and Sweden and sales offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. The head office is
in Veendam.

More information about Avebe can be obtained at: www.avebe.com

About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.

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SOURCE: Schneider Electric