Solarfields has completed construction of the Netherlands’ largest solar farm of 144 MWp on a former golf course in Biddinghuizen. The farm is capable of powering 34,000 households per year and supplied its first electricity to the grid in July 2022. A closed distribution system (GDS) has been used for grid connection, set up in cooperation with EQUANS. This innovative solution helps to take the strain from the medium-voltage grid and makes optimal use of scarce grid capacity. The solar farm also contributes to the sustainable objectives of the Dronten local authority. The province aims to be fully energy neutral by 2030.
Flexible power
The addition of flexible power to the energy system is crucial to the success of the energy transition. Decentralised energy sources, such as wind or solar farms, are a CO2-free alternative to help maintain the balance between supply and demand of electricity. The Dorhout Mees solar farm will be used in the Emergency Power Market (mFRR). High-voltage grid operator Tennet contracts daily power that can be used in critical situations in which other forms of balancing power are insufficient to restore balance in the grid. The contracted power should be fully available within 15 minutes of activation. This form of balancing power helps to reduce periods of overproduction on the grid.
BSP Scholt Energy
Scholt Energy is acting as the Balancing Service Provider (BSP) in this project. In this role, Scholt Energy grants parties access to the FCR, aFRR and mFRR balancing markets. By connecting a solar farm to the Emergency Power Market, the owner receives both an availability fee and an activation fee. To connect a solar farm in the Emergency Power Market, there is no need for Scholt Energy to be a holder of the PPA.
The agreement concluded with Dorhout Mees is another major step for Scholt Energy in its ambition to establish a large and diverse portfolio of flexible assets that can be used as a Virtual Power Plant.
Solarfields
Solarfields is enthusiastic about the first steps that it has taken with Scholt Energy. The project makes use of one of the many smart features that solar PV systems can add to the grid. To be able to add such a large amount of solar-generated power to the balancing market in one go, it is important to have a suitable pool available. The decision went in Scholt Energy’s favour. In addition to offering these services on the mFFR market, Solarfields will also ‘unlock’ other services in the near future.
Questions about sustainability?
Please contact our Energy Transition Specialists.
