Coalition agreement presented: building a future-proof energy system together
Today, D66, CDA and VVD released their coalition agreement ‘Getting started: building a better Netherlands’ presented. In the plans, the future cabinet outlines various measures to accelerate the energy transition. Energy Storage NL is positive that achieving the climate goals is once again given a central place in the coalition agreement. At the same time, the industry organization emphasizes that this requires a future-proof energy system, which is only possible if energy storage is given a fundamental role in it.
“It is good that the new cabinet recognizes the urgency of the climate challenge,” says Maarten van den Heuvel, chairman of Energy Storage NL. “But if we really want to achieve the climate goals, we must act now. Energy storage is no longer an afterthought, but an indispensable building block for a sustainable, affordable and independent energy system.”
Grid congestion calls for new choices
Energy Storage NL sees clear starting points in the coalition agreement for further cooperation with the new cabinet. On the positive side, grid congestion is given the highest urgency. According to the storage sector, the current grid problems are forcing a rethink on the design of the energy system.
“Committing to grid reinforcement alone is simply insufficient,” said Van den Heuvel. “We must invest simultaneously in expanding the electricity grid and in energy storage. Storage connects generation and consumption and can thus significantly relieve the pressure on the grid. An integrated approach to sustainable generation, grid reinforcement and energy storage is essential.”
Smart incentives and security of supply
The industry endorses Cabinet plans to work with smart incentives in grid tariffs and the further optimization of flexible contracts. These measures are essential for the further rollout of energy storage, according to Energy Storage NL.
In addition, storage plays a crucial role in ensuring security of supply. The ambition of the new cabinet to develop a capacity mechanism is therefore welcomed. However, Energy Storage NL does make an important comment.
“A capacity mechanism must also steer toward carbon-free solutions,” Van den Heuvel argues. “Only then will it actually encourage sustainable flexibility and prevent us from being stuck with fossil backup for too long.”
SDE++ reform and grid-conscious deployment of renewable
Energy Storage NL also sees opportunities in the announced reform of the SDE++. Renewable energy sources should be used in a grid-conscious way in the future, according to the cabinet. Storage at wind and solar farms should become the new standard.
“By combining storage with wind and solar, we keep the business case afloat and avoid unnecessary disconnection of renewable energy,” says Van den Heuvel. “That is essential to maintain the pace in the energy transition.” The industry also sees the commitment to flexibility and storage reflected in the government's plans to ensure a good match between supply and demand of electricity in the industry.
Storage of Green gas, hydrogen and heat
Finally, Energy Storage NL welcomes the government's ambition to focus on the production of green gas and green hydrogen. The industry emphasizes that production and storage of green gas, hydrogen and heat are inextricably linked. Developments in these areas must go hand in hand.
The same applies to the further rollout of heat networks. “When designing heat grids, heat storage should be considered integrally from the beginning,” Van den Heuvel said. “Research shows that this leads to lower heat tariffs, less financial risk and better utilization of renewable energy.
