New Task Force Aims to Strengthen Dutch Energy Technology
The cabinet is establishing the “Future Prosperity and Business Climate” task force and has identified energy technology—including batteries—as a crucial sector for the Netherlands’ future economic potential. Within this task force, Energy Storage NL, together with other industry organizations, will engage in discussions with ministers and state secretaries about the contribution of energy storage and the conditions necessary for the sector to grow in the Netherlands.
Strategic Value of Energy Storage
Energy storage is an essential building block for a reliable, affordable, and independent energy system. By better integrating renewable generation and storage, supply and demand can be balanced, making the energy system less vulnerable. Europe remains heavily dependent on countries outside Europe—particularly China—for critical raw materials, solar panels, and batteries. Strengthening European production and innovation in energy technology therefore enhances strategic autonomy and reduces dependence on imports and price fluctuations.
The Netherlands is well-positioned to further develop energy technology, with high-quality expertise and R&D, as well as a growing ecosystem of startups and scale-ups in the energy storage sector. AquaBattery and OreEnergy show how Dutch companies are working on innovative technologies for long-term energy storage. The government aims to strengthen this position through the task force by focusing on three pillars: the business climate, a talent strategy that prioritizes human capital, and electrification.
Prerequisites for scaling up
Energy Storage NL advocates that the task force not only focus on production capacity and innovation, but also create the conditions necessary to actually scale up storage technologies. This requires stable, long-term policies; faster and more predictable permitting processes; sufficient access to the electricity grid; and grid tariffs that align with the systemic role of energy storage. Targeted government instruments are also needed to value societal benefits and limit investment risks, with a particular focus on innovative long-term storage of electricity, heat, and molecules.
Energy Storage NL supports the establishment of the task force and contributes the knowledge and practical experience of the broadest network for energy storage. With clear and actionable framework conditions, the Netherlands can accelerate the development and adoption of clean energy technology, strengthen European strategic autonomy, and contribute to a reliable, affordable, and independent energy system.
