BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY – 4 entrepreneurs joining forces
"Industrial battery systems are becoming increasingly important"
With BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY, four entrepreneurs are specializing in industrial battery storage. “Battery systems are playing a growing role in today’s energy transition. Companies need specialized knowledge and integrated solutions, while the current market is highly fragmented. We aim to provide a clear answer to that,” says managing director Karel Florizoone.
The company was founded through a collaboration between three parties. Edelhart Olivier and Mathias Vandaele, managing directors of Batimont Solar in Roeselare, contribute their expertise in residential and industrial solar energy. Björn Afschrift, third-generation leader of the family-owned company Afschrift, brings extensive knowledge of high-voltage installations, industrial electricity, automation, and panel construction. Karel Florizoone, great-grandson of Meli founder Alberic Florizoone, combines entrepreneurial roots with experience at an energy supplier and a battery manufacturer. Together, they founded BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY, a niche installation company specialized in industrial battery systems.
“With our complementary expertise, we guide companies through the implementation of industrial battery storage and intelligent energy management,” explains Florizoone. “Batteries can be deployed in two key ways. First, for local optimization: businesses can manage their overall energy consumption more efficiently by storing energy at times when their solar panels, wind turbines, or CHP units produce more than needed — and using it later when demand is higher. With medium-voltage grid costs rising by 39% this year, it’s becoming increasingly financially attractive to store surplus energy instead of feeding it back into the grid. Additionally, batteries help to reduce peak loads, limiting the impact of the new capacity tariff.”
Due to a 39% increase in medium-voltage grid charges this year, storing on-site generated energy is now financially more attractive than injecting it into the grid.
"On the other hand, battery systems focus on market optimization. They take advantage of the highly volatile imbalance market, where companies can profitably respond to fluctuations between supply and demand. This energy trading offers opportunities to generate additional income by flexibly purchasing and injecting energy based on imbalance prices. Additionally, batteries can make smart use of dynamic energy prices by storing electricity during the cheapest hours and consuming it when rates are higher."
Strong start
BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY provides businesses with a complete solution. “We begin with a thorough analysis of the company's energy consumption and production. Based on the quarter-hour data for an entire year — around 35,000 data points — we calculate the ideal battery sizing and simulate a realistic payback period. Next, we handle the installation and integration into the existing infrastructure. This is often a technical challenge, as every company is different, and electrical adjustments may be necessary. After installation, we provide monitoring, optimization, and maintenance through our service team. Each year, we review the battery's performance with the customer and analyze how we can further maximize returns based on their (future) energy needs and market opportunities. An important part of this is assisting customers in choosing their energy contract, as this has a direct impact on both battery performance and total energy costs.”
BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY has made a flying start. “The demand and corresponding need for battery systems are rising rapidly. In Europe, nearly double the battery capacity was installed last year compared to 2023. By 2030, the number of installations is expected to grow at least sixfold in order to meet climate targets.” The strong market position of BATTERY 4 INDUSTRY was reinforced by the trust placed in it by a publicly listed global player in solar energy and battery storage. “We received a significant recognition as the Belgian importer for a leading TIER 1 battery manufacturer. Thanks to this close relationship, we are at the forefront of the latest battery technology, allowing us to stay competitive on pricing.”
Source: VOKA