Dutch Researchers Propose Smart Grid Solutions to Tackle Congestion
Eindhoven, Wednesday, 10 July 2024.
Doctoral students at TU Eindhoven suggest innovative financial incentives for grid operators to optimize existing capacity and prevent congestion. Their study explores tariff flexibility options and warns against potential new peaks caused by dynamic energy contracts, emphasizing the need for continuous adjustment of incentives as the energy transition progresses.
The Current Grid Challenge
Grid congestion is a pressing issue in the Netherlands, driven by the rapid increase in clean electricity generation. With the energy transition in full swing, grid operators are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand for electrical connections. This has led to delays for new schools, businesses, and neighborhoods seeking to connect to the grid. Traditional solutions, such as installing new cables, are not always feasible or timely, necessitating innovative approaches to manage grid capacity more effectively.
Innovative Financial Measures
Doctoral students Bart van der Holst and Gijs Verhoeven from TU Eindhoven have delved into financial measures that could aid grid operators in better utilizing existing grid capacity. Their study, supported by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and Netbeheer Nederland, examined three tariff options: bandwidth tariffs, time-of-use network tariffs, and weighted peak tariffs. These measures aim to create a more balanced load profile, optimizing the use of available capacity and reducing congestion.
Potential Solutions and Challenges
Among the proposed measures, the combination of contracts with weighted peak rates shows promise in alleviating grid congestion in the short term. However, the researchers caution that dynamic energy contracts, which adjust prices based on consumption timing, could introduce new peaks if many users shift their usage to the same low-cost periods. This underscores the importance of continuously adjusting financial incentives as the energy landscape evolves.
Complementary Efforts in Utrecht
In parallel, the NIMB project, launched by Withthegrid, Skoon Energy, and ACC in Utrecht, explores the use of mobile batteries to mitigate congestion. These batteries, typically rented for events or construction projects, are connected to the grid during downtime, providing additional capacity. The project’s pilot programs over the next two years aim to demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of this solution, potentially offering a model for broader implementation across the Netherlands.
Enhancing Smart Charging for Electric Vehicles
Another innovative approach to managing grid congestion involves smarter charging of electric vehicles. Researchers at Utrecht University and Delft University of Technology have found that introducing charging pauses can double the effectiveness of smart charging. This method not only alleviates grid congestion but also allows for a higher number of charging stations. Efforts are underway to ensure that all car models can handle these charging pauses, further supporting the grid’s stability.
The Future of Grid Management
As the energy transition progresses, continuous innovation and adjustment of financial incentives will be crucial to managing grid congestion effectively. The initiatives by TU Eindhoven’s doctoral students, the NIMB project in Utrecht, and the research on smart electric vehicle charging collectively represent a multifaceted approach to a complex problem. These efforts highlight the importance of dynamic solutions and the need for ongoing research and adaptation to ensure a stable and efficient energy grid.