How grid congestion affects societal growth  

Municipalities face grid congestion in various areas. This complicates important developments, such as expanding and making housing more sustainable, promoting sustainable traffic and transport, and creating an attractive climate for businesses to establish themselves. This is due to the electricity grid being overloaded, making expansion or new connections not always possible.

The role of municipalities in grid congestion

Municipalities create the conditions for such projects and often handle the permits. They also bring parties together and coordinate plans. This includes collaborations with provinces, development companies, regional energy desks, and RES regions (Regional Energy Strategies).  

3 solution directions for municipalities

Expanding the electricity grid takes time. Municipalities play a crucial role in realizing projects that expand the electricity grid faster and using the grid more efficiently. The RVO guideline mentions 3 solution directions:

1. Providing insight into the grid situation

   A clear overview of the current and future situation on the electricity grid helps in making smart choices. For example, for expanding housing or laying new electricity infrastructure. If municipalities share their plans and projects with the grid operator in a timely manner, it can better assess how much transport capacity (the maximum amount of electricity that the grid can carry) is needed. Additionally, municipalities can support initiators, such as companies and energy cooperatives requesting space from the electricity grid, by providing information on what is and isn’t possible.
    

2. Spatially directing grid reinforcement and grid integration

   Grid operators ensure the connection to the electricity grid, but municipalities determine where those projects take place. Spatial integration (keeping space free for energy projects) helps municipalities better utilize the electricity grid and prevent grid congestion. Furthermore, municipalities can accelerate the construction of new or additional grid infrastructure. For instance, by issuing permits for this, keeping space free, and involving local residents well.
    

3. Encouraging (technical) solutions

   Municipalities guide entrepreneurs to (technical) solutions for grid congestion. They also encourage solutions with local and regional impact. An example of this is Windpark Zeewolde, where a 90 MW battery is being developed. This battery ensures that the wind farm operates more efficiently and needs to stop less often due to grid congestion. More information about this innovation can be found in the new guideline.