Network operators launch new version capacity map

Netbeheer Nederland has launched an updated version of its national capacity map. This map provides more detailed insight into the availability of transmission capacity and the extent of queues per province and municipality. This kind of information is important for the energy storage industry because it can provide more clarity on the needs at a location and the likelihood of a connection.

Greater insight and execution dashboard

Compared to the previous version, the new capacity map makes it clearer where there is room for new connections and where bottlenecks in the grid are located. For energy storage developers, this can help with strategic planning and investments, as companies can better anticipate grid congestion. The queue information shows at the zip code level how much transmission capacity has been requested in an area.

In addition to the capacity map, grid operators have a 'implementation dashboard' published with an up-to-date view of congestion, the number of applications realized and the progress of grid reinforcements, among other things. In addition to the acceleration of new infrastructure, this shows a notable decline in new connections for large consumers since 2020 due to ongoing grid congestion. According to Hans-Peter Oskam of Netbeheer Nederland, congestion problems will remain in the coming years.

Implementation Agreement

In addition to the capacity map, Netbeheer Nederland, Bouwend Nederland and Techniek Nederland signed an implementation agreement. This agreement is committed to the planned strengthening of grid capacity and contains a number of key points, including the accelerated expansion of grid capacity, use of flexible solutions and better cooperation between grid managers and market parties.

ESNL sees this as a good step to address grid congestion at an accelerated pace. We call on grid operators to work in dialogue with the market to accelerate the incorporation of grid-supported energy storage through market-based mechanisms. In doing so, the right contracts and appropriate compensation for congestion services are crucial.

Further refining data

As previously message by Energy Storage NL, the need for detailed information on grid capacity and queues is high. By providing more transparency, companies can make more informed decisions, leading to more efficient utilization of the energy grid and more targeted transmission requests. We are working closely with grid operators and market participants to further refine the insight into grid capacity and queues. In doing so, we aim to address market needs to achieve more effective realization of energy storage capacity requirements.

For more details and current insights, check out the capacity map and the press release.