Five compliments to Minister Hermans
Today the new cabinet starts, and that means the end of cabinet Schoof I. Although the importance of the climate and energy file was not always obvious in the past period, important steps were taken for energy storage under the leadership of Minister Hermans. That deserves recognition. With the following five compliments, we look back on concrete results that lay the foundation for a more flexible and future-proof energy system.
Goal and policy agenda for energy storage
An important milestone is the minister's commitment to work on a national goal for flexibility and energy storage. With such a goal, energy storage is no longer seen as an afterthought, but as an essential pillar of the energy system. That gives direction to investors, grid operators and developers. Also, the start of a comprehensive policy agenda provided coherence between different ministries and policy areas. These steps show that storage is becoming a structural part of the energy transition.
Flex-E scheme as incentive for flexibility
With the flexible electricity consumption subsidy scheme, better known as the Flex-E arrangement, an important step has been taken to make flexibility and storage more attractive. This will give companies incentives to adjust their electricity consumption to the supply of renewable energy, thereby reducing peak loads on the grid. Currently, the Flex-E regulation is being adjusted so that, in addition made more room for energy storage projects, making the scheme more future-proof.
The connection offensive for faster net access
Grid congestion was the biggest obstacle to the energy transition in the past cabinet period. The minister took the initiative to launch a connection offensive at the end of 2025, focusing on faster connection and better use of existing capacity. Energy storage plays a key role in this, because storage installations can smooth out peaks and create space on the electricity grid. Through agreements such as the loosening of the financial limit by network operators and the faster rollout of flex tenders, the Connection offensive more space for energy storage.
Heat storage gets place in policies and buildings
Not only electricity storage received attention; heat storage also became more firmly embedded in policy. Via the WIS Scheme subsidies became available for heat storage at heat grids, encouraging seasonal storage and more efficient use of waste heat. In addition, heat storage was given a explicit place in energy performance rules for buildings, encouraging developers to incorporate storage technologies directly into design and renovation.
National agenda for underground hydrogen storage
Finally, the national agenda for underground hydrogen storage special appreciation. Large-scale hydrogen storage in empty gas fields or salt caverns is essential to make renewable energy available seasonally. By establishing a national strategy and appointing special envoy Nel Aland, an important foundation has been laid for investment security and infrastructure planning. The agenda marks a shift from vision to implementation with necessary funding as well. More information can be found at
Closing
Energy Storage NL thanks Minister Hermans and her ministry for their commitment to the energy storage sector. The industry also looks forward to working with the new Minister Van Veldoven and State Secretary De Bat to firmly embed the necessary acceleration of energy storage into policy, so that the Netherlands is prepared for an energy system in which flexibility is central.
