Oulun Baari evens out consumption peaks and cuts demand charges

Oulun Baari uses stored energy at peak times and saves on demand charges.

Oulun Baari is a pioneer in EV charging. A recent expansion increased the number of its fast chargers to six. At the same time, the power peaks started to rise. With Cactos, the company keeps its demand charges in check–while getting the most out of its on-site solar energy production.

Summary

Customer: Oulun Baari Oy
Industry: Service station
Installed solution: 1 x Cactos Classic, 45 kW/100kWh

Benefits of Cactos

Moderate demand charges

Less power needed from the grid during high-demand hours

Higher peak power

Storage of on-site-produced solar energy

Oulun Baari – a family business pioneering EV charging

Founded in 1990, Oulun Baari is a service station company that puts sustainability first. Clean fuel, ecological car washing and food made from local ingredients. So it's no wonder that Oulun Baari has also invested in green energy, self-produced solar power and electric car charging. The roof of the station has over 1,000 square metres of solar panels, and the yard has 550 kW of high-power charging capacity.

"We want to be a pioneer in providing charging points and a role model for others facing the same challenge," says Jussi Jaakkola, entrepreneur of Oulun Baari.

EV fast-charging multiplies power needs

With just one charging point, power sufficiency is not yet a major challenge. But when the charging capacity multiplies, so does the power needed. For Oulun Baari, it’s not just a question of saving money, but also of responsibility. If it is possible to use stored energy produced on-site during the high-demand hours, it’s in everyone's interest.

"As the number of charging points increased, the social aspect was also raised. We need less energy from the grid during peak hours by using batteries." says Jaakkola.

EVs charging at Oulun Baari charging station

Using stored energy to boost EV charging

Thanks to Cactos, Oulun Baari can offset peak-hour consumption with previously stored and partly self-generated electricity. Olli Nuutila, CMO of Cactos, spells it out:

"When the car is connected to the charger, the Cactos energy storage system automatically starts to discharge itself. When part of the power comes from the batteries instead of the grid, the peak power based demand charges are reduced.

"The use of energy storage also allows for higher peak power than when using grid power alone. By making full use of both batteries and the grid, cars can be charged faster.

Cactos' modular energy storage system is easy to expand. This supports Oulun Baari’s plans for the future:

"Our electricity demand is constantly increasing. We’ve also planned to build our own converter station, which will allow us to double the number of charging points for electric cars. Here too, off-peak energy storage is essential," explains Jaakkola.

"Cactos has had a positive impact on our business. We’ve been able to reduce load and power peaks, which has also kept our demand charges moderate."

Jussi Jaakkola, Entrepreneur, Oulun Baari Oy

Oulun Baari cuts power peaks and makes most of its solar energy

Oulun Baari uses stored energy at peak times and saves on demand charges.

Oulun Baari – a family business pioneering EV charging

EV fast-charging multiplies power needs

Using stored energy to boost EV charging

"Cactos has had a positive impact on our business. We’ve been able to reduce load and power peaks, which has also kept our demand charges moderate."

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