Need more direction
Guus Bengsch of GES: "Currently, the electricity grids are insufficiently equipped for the sustainable sources we add. The old tree structure based on large power stations squeaks and creaks. We can improve that by adding batteries, which is the technique to enable a different network architecture and limit the adjustment pain."
In 2023, the pace is still too slow, says Bengsch. "There are many projects, but there is much talk, little ordering, and even less construction. It is not all that easy to solve because the technology and the rules are not yet ready for it. What this sector actually needs is more government direction."
If the government takes up this challenge, he sees an optimistic scenario for 2030: "All energy generating locations must participate, certainly all solar and wind power stations. There will be hundreds of these types of systems in the Netherlands. Tennet wants to be able to balance thousands of megawatts. The battery at BECC accounts for 10 of those."
Paul Weersink of Kaisec: "The entire energy world is working on optimizing existing installations, and e-boilers are one of the tools for this if you can integrate them. That is often a matter of millimeters, and it is important for the business case that there is already a connection to the 10 kV grid. Because if you still have to apply for it, you will be placed on a waiting list, and the costs will increase. In 2023, ten to fifteen e-boilers will be under development in the Netherlands. We still have a long way to go before the e-boiler replaces natural gas as an industrial heat source, but at the moment, they are a good way to collect surplus electricity from the sun and wind so that the grid remains in balance."
Consider another e-boiler
Jurgen Duivenvoorden of Greenchoice: "If the demand for steam increases, BECC could add another e-boiler. Investing in extra flexibility of the biomass plant itself is also conceivable. He can turn a little faster or softer, but we think there are more possibilities if BECC also sees opportunities there."
"Now we are taking a big step in this project with Greenchoice. Looking ahead to 2030, I think we will see BECC's Energy Hub as one of the first projects to combine e-boiler, battery, and power plants. I expect more of these types of locations that contribute to the balance of the electricity network. As energy companies, it is our central task to offer more flexibility on the network. Since we started with the first large battery in 2019, I think we can celebrate the retrospective party as early as 2029."Pumping station
Julian Croker of Spectral: "There are still many untapped opportunities in heavy industry. The chemical industry, paper production, and paint factories use energy-intensive equipment that can be used much more flexibly and can therefore contribute to balancing the electricity grid and thus to the progress of the energy transition. All those water pumps in the Dutch polders pumping stations are also waiting for smart additions, as there is great potential for flexible energy there. The lack of flexibility means wind turbines too often stand still, costing 5 to 10 percent of the possible production. That is unnecessary waste."
