Dutch Grid Capacity Alarm Sparks Review Of Decentralized Energy Models

An energy sector expert has highlighted the importance of decentralized energy solutions for countering power scarcity, following reports the grid is at full capacity in one of the Netherlands’ major provinces.

flexible approach

Journalists from De Telegraaf have revealed that Enexis is expected to disclose the network in Overijssel will be locked for new connections and expansions.

According to Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko Energy Services, the difficulties faced in Holland are a sign of things to come for energy businesses relying too much on the national grid, signaling the need for a newer, more flexible approach to powering facilities.

demonstrating energy supply issue

The issue of grid constraints is nothing new to the Netherlands or the wider European continent"

“The issue of grid constraints is nothing new to the Netherlands or the wider European continent,” Chris Rason explains.

He adds, “Moratoriums have previously been placed on certain building work in Dublin and Amsterdam due to this strain. However, the situation in Overijssel is more acute and demonstrates an energy supply issue that will only become more common as existing power infrastructure ages."

energy security

Chris Rason continues, “To guarantee energy security and ensure critical processes are not threatened by huge demand and disruption, the energy sector needs to explore energy models that work independently or in parallel with the grid."

He stated, "Bolstering on-site power generation will be key to this, and the industry needs to face up to this challenge now before the issues the Netherlands is currently experiencing become the norm.”

decentralized energy technologies

In the wake of a fraught period for the European energy market, Aggreko has launched a new report highlighting solutions to help high-energy users navigate difficult operating conditions.

Titled 'The Race to Resilience', the whitepaper explores how facilities can address their immediate power needs, such as those affecting Overijssel, while also using other tools and services from Aggreko to plan more strategically. It goes on to demonstrate the importance of decentralized energy technologies as a way to establish long-term energy security while also reducing carbon emissions and transmission losses.

role in the energy-intensive energy sector

“As these recent events make clear, bridging solutions will be required to tackle pressure on over-extended power infrastructure,” said Chris Rason, adding “Technologies such as microgrids, gas-powered generators, combined heat and power, and battery storage all have a role to play in safeguarding the future of the energy-intensive energy sector."

dynamic way forward

He concludes, “Yet with permanent installations proving difficult to procure due to supply chain disruption and prohibitive up-front costs, short- to medium-term hired power offers a dynamic way forward. This issue is addressed in more detail in our new Race to Resilience report. I urge energy managers to download a copy and begin the transition today.”