Updated energy storage roadmap explained to ESNL supporters
The Ministry of KGG has consulted the storage sector in three online sessions on the upcoming update of the Energy Storage Roadmap. In a parliamentary letter to be sent out this year, the ministry reflects on the progress of the actions named in the June 2023 publication. After a brief description of the process and relevant policy developments - in which, among other things, it was mentioned that the Netherlands supports the pledge for an international storage target at COP29 - those present were given the opportunity to ask questions.
Heat
In the session on thermal storage, the discussion focused on the limited focus on industry. Here in particular, heat storage can play an important role in achieving rapid and affordable electrification. The group called for more explicit reflection on this in the parliamentary letter, and for it to be included in an upcoming study on improving the modeling of heat storage in scenario studies for the National Energy System Plan. The industry offered to gladly consider this.
Molecules
At the session on molecule storage, the main question was what role the roadmap can play in providing the clarity needed to make large-scale investment decisions. It was argued that even the lowest targets for underground storage are now out of sight. For hydrogen carriers, a vision of the options available is being developed, with an initial choice or direction from the government linked to it. The call was for the vision on underground storage, to be published early next year by storage envoy Nel Aland, to provide clarity on the number of caverns, which areas and the process for communication with the environment.
Electricity
Finally, electricity storage was discussed. In this session, KGG paid much attention to developments around home batteries, for which the priority is better monitoring and preventing higher peaks on the low-voltage grid. On incentive policy, the ministry is also liaising with neighboring Flanders. In addition, the ministry addressed the questions that municipalities have about the incorporation of large-scale batteries, about which the parliamentary letter will provide an overview of the tools that have already been developed. Consideration is also being given to making agreements with municipalities and provinces on this topic. It was emphasized from those present that this is very necessary, not only for batteries but also for LDES where realization times are much longer. With regard to the subsidy for co-location of batteries at solar parks, the ministry indicated that work is underway to broaden it in the direction of LDES and other flexibility options, but that this depends on the spring decision-making process.
Finish
Energy Storage NL is pleased with the large turnout at these sessions and the clear call from attendees for more direction from the government. We remain in discussion with the Ministry of KGG about the concretization of the Energy Storage Roadmap and are certainly open to suggestions from our supporters. You can contact us via stan.vandenbroek@fme.nl.
