Throughout the Netherlands, there is an increase in new applications for new connections to the power grid, particularly for solar and wind production. In many places, the growth of these initiatives is proceeding faster than the rate at which the power grids can be expanded. When a potential structural congestion emerges somewhere in the power grid, the grid operator initiates a study to determine the possibility of using congestion management. This is a market mechanism designed to be able to prevent the power grid from becoming overburdened.
Progress of study into congestion management
There is a great deal of interest in new connections in the Province of Zeeland as well. This is why at the end of July, TenneT initiated a study into the possibility of making use of congestion management. The study is currently in its final phase. Various scenarios (including the growth in solar and wind power) have been assessed and the bottlenecks in the power grids have since been established. There are options for resolving the bottlenecks that are expected to occur through means of redispatch (shifting production). In the context of this study, TenneT is currently completing a market analysis to see if there are sufficient participants to be able to make use of congestion management. The study will be published on the website as soon as it is complete.
Investing in power grids
In the meantime, TenneT will make a number of investments in its power grids in order to increase capacity. The new 380-kilovolt connection between Borssele and Rilland is expected to be operational in 2023. In addition, a number of measures will be implemented to increase the capacity of the current power grids over the short term. TenneT is currently making use of Dynamic Line Rating, a smart system that makes it possible to transport more electricity over the power grid during colder weather. Furthermore, in 2021 and 2022, a number of technical adjustments will be made to the high voltage substations in Borssele and Rilland, for example by installing a few additional transformers.
