Due to the explosive growth in the number of solar panels in Enexis’ service area, the regional grid operator is reaching the maximum capacity limits of the electrical grid. As a result, there is no room within Enexis’ area to connect additional, large-scale solar plants. The electrical grid is full (grid congestion). The best solution is to expand the electrical grid but this is a very time-consuming process. In the meantime, there are also ways in which the current grid can be better utilised, thus easing the pressure on the grid.
A CLC is a form of congestion management that makes the electrical grid more efficient. At peak periods in electricity supply and demand, customers are requested not to take electricity off or inject electricity into the grid. Enexis pays a predetermined contractual fee for this method of avoiding peak periods.
Collaboration between Statkraft, Scholt Energy and Enexis
Both Statkraft and Scholt Energy have a role to play in this entire process. As the owner, Statkraft has developed and constructed Wilbertoord Solar Park with local involvement and in cooperation with the municipality. Scholt Energy acts as a Congestion Service Provider (CSP) in the CLC. This means that Scholt Energy allows the solar park to produce less at the request of the regional grid operator. Enexis communicates this at least one day in advance. As a result, Scholt Energy can turn off or shut down the solar plant and relieve pressure on the electrical grid. This can also help Statkraft save potential costs.
Joining forces
“Increasing grid congestion threatens to delay the Dutch energy transition from oil and gas to more sustainable energy sources. We must do everything we can to prevent such a delay. That is why we are pleased to contribute with this solution”, explains Niels van der Linden, Country Manager at Statkraft Nederland.
“This partnership is a great milestone for Scholt Energy based on which we, as Congestion Service Provider, are implementing this capacity limitation contract between the grid operator and the renewable energy producer. We assist Enexis in managing congestion on the electrical grid by temporarily reducing or even stopping production at Wilbertoord Solar Park. Together we contribute to the progress of the energy transition process in the Netherlands and the development of as many renewables as possible”, according to Michiel van der Steen, Senior Energy Transition Specialist at Scholt Energy.
“It is great news that we have once again entered into a flexible contract”, says Karin Mathijssen, Large Business Director at Enexis Netbeheer. “In spring and summer, our grids are under pressure because of the large amount of solar power. This period is just around the corner, so we are very pleased that Statkraft and Scholt Energy are helping us to better utilise the electrical grid with immediate effect. In this way, we are working together to create a sustainable, efficient and reliable energy system.”
Involved Stakeholders
Statkraft is the largest producer of renewable energy in Europe. In the Netherlands, Statkraft has developed 15 solar parks.
Scholt Energy has been operating as an energy supplier in the business market since 2005. In addition, the company supports large-scale energy consumers in implementing sustainable solutions such as the procurement of renewable energy, energy storage, curtailment and charge management. Scholt Energy has now grown into a major player in the international market with establishments in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Austria. The company vision is as follows: “Climate-neutral energy for all businesses”.
Enexis Netbeheer distributes electricity to 2.8 million customers and gas to 2.3 million customers in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, North Brabant and Limburg in an affordable and reliable manner. The company takes care of the construction, maintenance, development and management of its electricity and gas grids. Together, the organisations are working on the energy transition of the Netherlands, with the aim of increasing the production and supply of renewable energy and reducing grid congestion. In this way, the company is working towards creating a carbon-neutral society.
Interested in closing a capacity limitation contract?
Please contact our Energy Transition Specialists.
