Guide for municipalities on electricity storage
On behalf of the former Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) recently prepared the "Handreiking vergunningverlening elektriciteitsopslagsystemen". This guide is intended to provide clarity on the permitting process for electricity storage systems in the Netherlands. The document was written for governments, companies and other stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of such storage systems.
Laws and regulations
The guide provides an overview of the relevant laws and regulations that apply to electricity storage systems and are therefore relevant in the permitting process. Some examples include:
- Electricity Act 1998: legal provisions relating to the production, storage and distribution of electricity.
- Environmental legislation: regulations that address the environmental impact of storage systems, including the Environmental Law (General Provisions) Act (Wabo) and the Environmental Management Activities Decree.
- Building Regulations: requirements of the 2012 Building Code applicable to the physical construction of storage systems.
- Safety instructions: Standards and guidelines for the safe installation and operation of storage systems, including NPR 5310 and NEN 1010.
Permit process
The policy recommendations in the "Electricity Storage Systems Licensing Guide" are intended to help municipalities and provinces effectively integrate and regulate electricity storage systems. These recommendations focus on various aspects of planning, regulation, cooperation and implementation. Key policy recommendations are discussed in detail below.
- Development of Local Policies
Municipalities and counties are encouraged to develop local policies specific to electricity storage systems. These policies should provide:
- Clear Guidelines: municipalities are asked to establish clear criteria for the location and size of electricity storage systems to ensure that they are installed in suitable locations and do not cause additional load on the grid.
- Flexibility in Energy Management: the use of flexible electricity storage systems that can help balance supply and demand on the power grid. This can reduce peak loads and improve grid reliability.
- Collaboration and Communication
Fostering cooperation and communication among various stakeholders such as grid operators, developers, and local governments is essential for successful integration of electricity storage systems. Good communication and cooperation include:
- Regular Consultations: Organizing regular meetings between all stakeholders to discuss plans and challenges and find joint solutions.
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Defining the roles and responsibilities of each party to avoid misunderstandings and increase efficiency.
- Permit Process and Assessment
To optimize the permitting process, it is recommended that clear and streamlined procedures be implemented. This helps expedite approval and ensures that all necessary aspects are reviewed. Recommendations include:
- Standardize Permit Requirements: Develop standard criteria and requirements for evaluating permit applications, including safety, environmental impact and site suitability.
- Use of Best Practices: Implementing best practices from other municipalities and provinces that have successfully developed policies for electricity storage systems.
- Environmental and Safety Standards
It is critical that electricity storage systems meet strict environmental and safety standards to minimize the impact on the environment and ensure the safety of residents. This includes:
- Noise emissions: Setting limits on noise emissions from storage systems to prevent disturbance to nearby residents.
- Safety Guidelines: Develop and maintain strict safety guidelines to minimize risks such as fire hazards and electrical failures.
- Monitoring and Evaluating
Implement mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation of electricity storage systems to ensure continued compliance and early identification of problems. This can be done by:
- Data Analysis and Reporting: The use of data analysis to monitor the performance of storage systems and generate regular reports for decision makers and permitting agencies.
- Adaptation of Policy: Adjust policy based on evaluation results and new developments in technology and market conditions.
The entire handbook is here reflected.
