Enexis is making an important contribution to the energy system of the future. We formulated views and standpoints on the various topics in 2023 to create this energy system. At the same time, the overloaded energy grid forces us to make clear and well-considered choices, together with partners and stakeholders.
In the Netherlands, we are in the middle of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and are increasingly producing energy on a small scale and locally. In addition, the demand for electricity is growing. The existing energy system was not designed for this and has to be completely overhauled. We work hard every day on expanding our grid and we will continue to do so. However, to ensure that everyone continues to have access to energy, a plan for the long term is necessary. Together with the national government, provinces, municipalities, the ACM, market parties, and our customers, we have to make clear choices to ensure a smooth energy transition.
Views on topics
As a grid operator, we would like to help shape this system by contributing our expertise and knowledge proactively to ensure that the right choices are made. Therefore, we have formulated a view on various topics with for each topic the expected and feasible vision of the future and a detailed step-by-step plan.
Standpoints for a feasible energy transition
Clear choices are required in the short term for each topic to make the energy transition possible. We have set this out in eight standpoints:
The period of one central electricity grid for everyone is over. There will be an increase in decentralised energy systems - for storage, generation, conversion, and transmission - that are interconnected. In this case, we will focus on system efficiency so that we can make better use of the available grid capacity and coordinate supply and demand.
We only want to build solar parks in places where the is a lot of demand for energy in the immediate vicinity. A solar park in a remote area requires too large an investment in grid capacity.
In the sector and together with stakeholders, we are looking into a new tariff system for customers and producers that stimulates efficient use of the grid.
Municipalities need to make their district execution plans more concrete more quickly. A district execution plan specifies for each district the preference for the heating system that is to replace gas. Without a district approach, we will not be able to realise the heat transition in the built environment on time. We provide support to municipalities by providing insight into the necessary grid adaptations. In addition, we are also preparing for a possible future role in district heating systems.
Grid-aware charging That means charging electric vehicles when there is sufficient capacity on the grid. By making efficient use of the available grid capacity, more vehicles can be charged.
Renewable gases are necessary for the energy system of the future, as they reduce the pressure on the energy grid. Therefore: make green gas widely available.
Hydrogen is also an essential component, but at present still scarce. We mainly see a role for green hydrogen in the industrial and transport sectors; as raw material and fuel and for the storage of energy for longer periods. We are seeing to it that the infrastructure and our organisation are prepared for this in 2028.
Large-scale battery storage makes the energy system more flexible. Batteries are charged when a lot of energy is being produced and discharge energy when the demand for electricity peaks. At the same time, we have to be careful that batteries do not lead to grid congestion. This occurs, for example, when a battery is being charged during peak demand. We connect large-scale batteries in a way that does not increase the transmission shortage. We call this grid-neutral connecting and offer customers flexibility contracts for this.
The energy transition and corresponding expansion of the grid have a huge impact on public space. This requires good coordination with regard to the spatial integration with municipalities and provinces. Only then will the necessary physical space be available in time.
Dilemma: Achieving climate goals versus value for society
For a long time, generating renewable energy on land mainly focused on the target from the Climate Agreement, to produce 35 terawatt-hours of electricity from solar and wind parks on land by 2030, and much less on the social value. As far as we are concerned, this is no longer the case. In 2030 solar and wind energy on land must always contribute to a sustainable and affordable energy system. Moreover, we prefer to expand the grid if there is sufficient demand for energy in that area. This means that we rather not expand the electricity grid only for solar power generation unless there is also a demand for extra electricity.
Entrepreneurs still have many plans for on land energy production in remote areas. We expect that this will continue for the time being. As a regional grid operator, we advise provinces and municipalities on such initiatives. Contrary to the past, we now give priority to expansions that provide social value. That is also where we employ our technical personnel, resources, and materials. Therefore, it is attractive for governments to licence solar energy projects in locations where the electricity grid is already being expanded because the demand for electricity is growing.
Enexis is not in favour of large-scale solar parks. In the long term, this leads to a disproportionally costly energy system due to extra investments in grid capacity. We went public with our standpoints in 2023. This led to reactions and discussion with entrepreneurs, but also support for our views from the government.