“You are the next one in 2036”

“The rapidly growing demand for computing power from data centers and computer rooms puts pressure on the electricity grid, but that same digital infrastructure is also part of the solution.” So says Bart van der Laan, Program Manager at network company Alliander. He shares his vision on flexible energy use during the IT Infra event on November 25 in 's-Hertogenbosch.

“Companies are often shocked when they hear that there is a waiting list for a new power connection,” explains Van der Laan. “They receive a message: ‘You are on the waiting list until 2036 if you want fixed capacity.’ And then panic sets in. My advice is not to let bad news discourage you. It often turns out that there are indeed possibilities within the existing capacity.”

The first step is to investigate which processes can be configured flexibly. Van der Laan: “Think of postponing updates or performing computing processes at times when more capacity is available on the grid.” Physical adjustments also sometimes offer a solution, such as purchasing more energy-efficient servers or adding batteries or generators. “Many companies use these only as an emergency backup, while more applications are possible.”

Smart deployment of emergency facilities

Van der Laan mentions a large data center in Amsterdam that has successfully implemented flexible energy use. “The goal was to temporarily draw less electricity from the public grid during peak moments and make more use of our own energy supply. We succeeded in doing so, with the help of grid information from Liander. I am proud that we are working together with this client on solutions that work for them and for the grid.”

The energy specialist does add a caveat: “There is a lot of potential in the deployment of emergency power supplies, but they are currently only allowed to operate for 500 hours per year. In most cases, this uses HVO. And is therefore polluting. Together with data centers and the government, we need to look at new rules that enable hybrid operation using green gas, while guaranteeing availability and continuity.” According to Van der Laan, this involves not only technology but also good agreements with grid operators regarding available capacity, operating duration, and usage times.

Make better use of residual heat

In addition to flexible energy use, he sees a second opportunity for the sector: utilizing waste heat from data centers. “Servers produce large amounts of heat that is currently often vented away. Why not use that to heat your own or surrounding business premises or homes?”

The potential is great, but in practice, only a portion of that residual heat is utilized. This is due, on the one hand, to the high initial costs, but also to the infrastructure, local heat demand, and the distribution of responsibilities and risks between parties. “As long as the business case is uncertain and the necessary capital for heat networks is not provided, many projects remain stuck in the idea phase,” says Van der Laan.

National approach

A wait-and-see attitude is a national problem, according to the program manager. “Due to (geo)political tensions and uncertainty regarding legislation and regulations, companies are adopting a wait-and-see approach. But I am convinced that flexible energy management will eventually become the norm. We have no choice.”

The call for a strong European digital infrastructure and cloud and data capacity is increasing, notes Van der Laan. “That requires a different way of working that enables growth by managing the available electricity grid as intelligently as possible.”

Van der Laan, together with colleagues and partners, is actively committed to innovation in the sector. “Behind the scenes, grid operators, data center owners, and the government are working together on frameworks for future data centers and computer rooms. The goal is to have a by the end of this year national approach to present to the entire IT infrastructure sector.”

Waiting is not an option

What steps should an organization take now to meet tomorrow's energy demand? That is the core question Van der Laan wants to answer during the IT Infra event. “Organizations that want to grow, install additional servers, or electrify installations over the next five to seven years would be wise to map out their future energy demand in a timely manner.”

In doing so, they must consider not only the required connection capacity but also their load profile, consumption peaks, and processes that can be scheduled flexibly. Own energy generation, batteries, emergency power supplies, and collaboration with specialized energy consultants can be part of that analysis.

Van der Laan: “As a company, dare to make choices regarding flexible energy management, waste heat, and potential collaboration with grid operators and specialized energy consultants. Those who start today and invest in the future will have more options later on than organizations that wait until the limitations of the grid catch them off guard.”

Attend Bart van der Laan's keynote

Bart van der Laan's keynote is free to attend during IT Infra 2026. This event takes place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at Congrescentrum 1931 in 's-Hertogenbosch. Register. via the website.