Flexibilisation in the energy sector: what’s the benefit?

Grid Congestion Learn & Share is an initiative by the Amsterdam Economic Board, Alliander, Centre of Expertise City Net Zero (HvA) and Waag Futurelab. This session was held at the Amsterdam Economic Board.

Richard Ruijtenbeek (municipality of Amsterdam) and Meindert Slagt (Johan Cruijff Arena) provided the joint keynote. Richard updated the audience on the approach at Energielab Zuidoost and shared his experiences. Meindert zoomed in on the energy ambitions and challenges of the Johan Cruijff Arena.

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Flexible solutions and challenges

In three breakout sessions, participants learned more about flexible solutions to grid congestion – and their challenges.

ATELIER – Business models for local energy systems, by Omar Shafqat

Omar Shafqat (ATELIER)

The ATELIER project in Amsterdam has completed two Positive Energy Districts (PED). The fully completed PED Republica is a mixed-use real estate project with apartments, restaurants and businesses. It has its own microgrid, heat grid, solar panels, battery and energy management system (EMS).

Republica had a grid congestion problem at the start of the project. They were given access to only 1.5MW instead of the desired 2.0MW. The placement of a district heating system and EMS eventually overcame this problem. Although there is no longer a grid congestion problem, Republica still wants the 2.0MW connection. This is because having the EMS optimised for the market will bring more profit.

Many of these projects run on subsidies, which makes scaling up difficult. The fluidity of legislation and regulation also make it complicated to realise future-proof business models in which even larger companies want to invest.

Heliox – Possibilities behind the meter, by Friso Schuring

Perhaps grid congestion is a blessing in disguise. Otherwise we would have continued down the same road, with higher peaks and troughs, and increasing costs. The developments of flexibilisation and dynamic contracts are moving very fast. Collaboration is already happening in many areas – but it still remains exciting and uncertain. Because how can you be sure that you maintain sufficient capacity? Staying in touch with your neighbours remains importance. Because together you really get further.

In conclusion, it would be nice if there were certain incentives from the administrators that make companies move toward declining in the valleys. Who dares to pick up this gauntlet?

SADC – Schiphol Trade Park, the first sustainable solution to grid congestion, by Pieter Dijckmeester

Pieter Dijckmeester (SADC)

Within the Schiphol Trade Park energy cooperative, the member companies have not had to surrender or sign for any rights. The companies share the capacity among themselves. And, as always, the numbers tell the story! Insight into consumption is essential for cooperation. What is striking is that the companies want to give substance to the energy transition together. Everyone wins, socially, economically and ecologically. Grid congestion is not just about technology, but it really is a social issue!

Want to participate in this event series?

On 18 March is the fifth and very last Netcongestion Learn & Share! Then it will be about saving energy consumption and we will conclude this series.

Read more about unusual solutions that enable energy transition in our exploration Energy Transition through Local Vigour.