How to deal with grid congestion: opportunities & tips

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> Analysis & prevention > Congestion management > Adjusted transmission contracts > Own solutions > Energy storage > Moving > Waiting

As part of the energy transition, Europe has made a large-scale push for green energy in the region with significant investments in green infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines. Last year, a record number of new solar panels were installed in Europe, with the aim of reducing dependence on natural gas. This move followed the rise in natural gas prices a year ago, when supplies were cut off by Russia. Now an abundance of energy has been created, resulting in grid congestion and an increase in negative electricity prices in more and more European countries.

If your business is in a congested area and you need more transmission capacity, there are currently several options available. We list them below.

Analysis & prevention

Evaluate your energy consumption pattern to identify peaks. Look for opportunities to use appliances and processes more efficiently and spread them over time. Reduce the use of energy-intensive devices and save both power and energy.

With this approach, you not only reduce your energy demand but also save energy, leading to cost savings and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Congestion management – flexible power

Congestion management is smart management of the space available within an electricity network. This is because the electricity network in the Netherlands can only transport a limited amount of energy at the same time. Congestion management allows you to cleverly anticipate peak times and quiet times.

In congestion areas, the grid operator can investigate whether parties can supply flexible capacity to free up space for others. You may be able to provide flexibility yourself (switch power on or off on request) and receive compensation for it.

Are there neighbouring companies that need most of the energy usage at very different times? You may be able to use some of the available capacity for your business.

Adjusted transmission contracts

If congestion management is not enough, you can try whether you can make individual arrangements with the grid operator. Consider a contract with different capacity or quality during specific time windows.

Own solutions

Do you generate your own energy? Look for alternative energy sources and energy carriers, such as solar or wind, or ground heat.

Invest in energy-saving equipment and implement energy management techniques to reduce peak demand. Or – to bridge short periods of extra power demand – use a generator.

Energy storage

Energy storage could potentially be one of the future solutions, depending on a new framing framework for grid operators. This will determine how energy storage can be implemented in the energy system in an effective and integrated way.

Moving

If possible, consider moving to a region with sufficient transmission capacity if your company is growing or has relocation plans.

For new sites: check the contracted capacity at the site in good time and request a suitable connection from the grid operator as soon as possible. In case of transmission shortages, apply for the required transmission capacity quickly.

Wait patiently

Although more capacity will be provided by the grid operators – they are legally obliged to provide the transmission capacity you require – grid reinforcements can take a long time to implement. Make sure you are on the waiting list for additional electrical capacity.

COMCAM can help you with grid congestion

COMCAM can advise you on solutions to grid congestion. We do this through our unique approach of Energy Portfolio Management. COMCAM is the specialist in all options for energy contracts for supply and feed-in.