Friesland Offers Space for Large-Scale Battery Storage

The province of Fryslân intends to allow large-scale battery storage under certain conditions. This marks a change from the province’s previous intention to exclude standalone battery systems exceeding 100 MW. Energy Storage NL (ESNL) and the RegioTeam Energietransitie view this as an important step toward a reliable, affordable, and future-proof energy system.

ESNL advocated for flexibility under clear conditions

In its response to the draft environmental vision, the POVI Fryslân, the Regional Energy Transition Team pointed out that a blanket exclusion of large-scale batteries is undesirable. The RegioTeam is a collaboration between ESNL, the Dutch Association for Sustainable Energy, Holland Solar, NedZero, and Energie-Nederland. Large-scale battery storage can help reduce grid congestion, provide flexibility, and support the integration of renewable energy. In this way, storage contributes to security of supply and a more efficient energy system.

ESNL and the RegioTeam therefore did not advocate for unconditional approval, but rather for allowing large-scale battery installations in locations where they are suitable from both an energy and spatial planning perspective, with appropriate requirements regarding the landscape, safety, and community involvement.

The Full Statement of Views on the Draft Environmental Vision is available online.

Targeted access at four substations

An analysis of the public comment responses shows that Fryslân now intends to allow for independent battery storage systems with a capacity of 70 MW or more. Initiatives must demonstrably contribute to reducing grid congestion or to the balance and security of supply of the high-voltage grid. To this end, the province requires a contract with TenneT specifically addressing these objectives.

Initially, the province will allow these battery systems at the Bolsward, Oudehaske, Burgum, and Louwsmeer substations. Preference is given to locating them on nearby industrial parks. If that is not possible, installation at the substation may be considered under certain conditions. Key considerations in this regard include integration into the landscape, space for future expansion, and a fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

The Full processing of the public comment responses was published by the province.

An important step, but further elaboration is still needed

ESNL welcomes this change in policy. Large-scale batteries are an essential building block of a future-proof energy system: they help better balance supply and demand, support security of supply, and can help the electric grid operate more efficiently. In short, these systems also offer significant societal value.

The next step is to develop a predictable and feasible plan for implementing the conditions. ESNL therefore looks forward to continuing its dialogue with the province, the national government, and grid operators regarding suitable locations and clear frameworks, so that socially valuable storage projects can be implemented in a timely manner.