Measures against full power grid accelerated and expanded: gas remains an option in Utrecht

In response to increasing grid congestion in the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Utrecht, Gelderland and Flevoland, TenneT and Stedin, together with the province of Utrecht and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change, have announced various measures to reduce pressure on the electricity grid. These measures are necessary given the rapid increase in electricity demand due to energy transition and high energy prices due to external factors such as the war in Ukraine.

In the long term, the power grid is being expanded and upgraded, a process that requires time and significant investment. These actions are part of the National Grid Congestion Action Program (LAN) and the National Energy System Plan (NPE), where the goal is to have a fully sustainable and strategically autonomous energy system by 2050.

Hybrid for electric

Given the urgency, short-term solutions are also being implemented. These include temporarily disabling public charging stations during peak times, deploying hybrid rather than all-electric heat pumps in existing homes, and installing emergency generators. These measures can have a direct impact on consumers and businesses, but are essential to prevent power outages and ensure the reliability of energy supplies.

The measures vary by region, depending on the specific problems and capacity of the network in those areas. In Utrecht, for example, the measures are aimed at avoiding overloading and outages from 2026. The grid operators conducted a thorough analysis to determine which measures are most effective. The results and specific actions for Flevoland and Gelderland are expected later this year. In addition to current measures, there are plans for further actions, including the development of energy hubs and the integration of storage solutions to increase grid flexibility and efficiency. These are important steps toward a future where renewable energy generation and consumption are better aligned.

Deployment of gas generators

In some regions, including Utrecht, the temporary deployment of gas-fired generation units is being considered to handle peak loads, especially during cold periods when electricity demand is high. While this measure seems contrary to long-term sustainability goals, it provides a necessary buffer that helps prevent blackouts and provide stability during the transition period to fully renewable energy sources. These gas generators would act as a "last resort," deployed only when other options such as energy storage and demand management are insufficient to meet peak demand.

Disabling charging stations

In parallel with the deployment of gas as an interim solution, energy demand management via public charging stations plays a crucial role. Grid operators and government agencies are exploring the possibility of limiting electric vehicle charging during peak times. This "grid-aware charging" involves temporarily turning off charging stations when power demand exceeds supply. This approach not only helps prevent peak charging, but also encourages the development of a more flexible and sustainable energy network.