Dutch Government Considers Stricter Regulations for Home Batteries
The Hague, Thursday, 6 February 2025.
The Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth is considering stricter controls on home batteries to protect the electricity grid, amidst concerns over their increasing popularity and usage.
Current Market Status
As of early 2025, tens of thousands of Dutch households have installed home batteries [1], allowing them to store solar energy and sell it back to the grid during peak hours. However, grid operator Enexis has raised significant concerns about the impact of widespread adoption on grid stability [1]. The current retail price for home battery systems ranges from €537 to €847 [3], with various capacity options available between 2.4 kWh and 4.8 kWh [3].
Technical Challenges and Grid Impact
Grid management faces particular challenges as these systems become more prevalent [1][3]. Minister Hermans from the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has highlighted specific complications regarding energy taxation, particularly the issue of double taxation that occurs when electricity is stored and then fed back into the grid [8]. This situation is especially complex for residential users, as the systems can store both taxed grid electricity and untaxed solar power simultaneously [8].
Future Regulatory Framework
The government is currently withholding subsidies for home battery installations while developing new regulations [1]. According to Minister Hermans, no immediate solution is expected before January 2027, when the current net metering scheme ends [8]. The ministry maintains ongoing consultations with the energy sector regarding technological developments [8], aiming to balance innovation with grid stability [3].
Consumer Implications
While large-scale consumers have already received solutions for double taxation issues, residential users face more complex challenges [8]. The government acknowledges that solutions implemented for commercial users cannot be easily adapted for household use, as they would require excessive administrative burden from private individuals [8]. This regulatory uncertainty leaves potential adopters in a waiting pattern, even as the technology becomes more accessible [3].