Grid congestion: The challenge of a stable and future-oriented energy system
With the growing demand for electricity due to sustainability and digitalization, the electricity grid is coming under increasing pressure. Grid congestion, the problem of overload in the network, is therefore one of the biggest challenges in the energy transition. At FHI, we are committed to solutions and collaboration that strengthen the capacity of the grid and better manage demand.
Grid congestion occurs when the electricity network can no longer handle the requested capacity. This can happen at peak times or in regions where the demand for electricity is growing rapidly, for example due to the increase in electric vehicles, heat pumps and solar panels. This overload can lead to power outages and delays in the sustainability of both industrial and domestic applications.
Without a stable and scalable electricity grid, the transition to sustainable energy sources is difficult to achieve. Grid congestion slows down the rollout of new energy projects, such as wind and solar parks, because the current grid is unable to absorb peaks in generation and consumption. This slows down the greening of our energy use and requires urgent adjustments and innovations.
Tackling grid congestion requires a combination of technical innovation and strategic planning. For example, demand management (adjusting energy demand at peak times) can relieve pressure on the grid. In addition, batteries and other forms of energy storage play an important role in absorbing temporary peaks and troughs. The use of local and decentralised energy networks also helps to relieve the load on the central grid.
VNO-NCW and MKB Nederland initiate the program Network congestion business. This program supports and involves entrepreneurs in this problem. By offering clarity and practical information and listening to their bottlenecks, ideas and needs. And making them known to governments and network operators.
At FHI, we work to create the right conditions for a future-proof electricity grid. We do this by working with technical industry organizations, policymakers and companies to accelerate innovations in grid management, smart technologies and energy storage. We advocate a proactive approach to grid management where all stakeholders work together to create a robust grid that is ready for the future.
Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal), biomass, wind, water, solar, geothermal energy, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
Research into energy sources ranges from fossil to renewable energy sources and is carried out by multinationals and research institutes. FHI members provide valuable instrumentation and analysis techniques. For example, during the LabAnalyse event, where a speaker from WUR discussed advanced material research such as the isotope composition in woodAlthough the topic of energy resources was less prominent in presentations, FHI experts actively contribute to developments in this area.
Main carriers: Heat, steam, electricity, oil, gas, coal, batteries and hydrogen.
Energy carriers store energy and transport it to consumption locations. The focus within FHI is mainly on hydrogen and batteries. For example, during the World of Industry, Technology & Science trade fair, innovations in hydrogen technology were discussed by companies such as Kiwa and KROHNE Nederland. In the field of batteries, Phoenix Contact and Weiss Technik, among others, discussed connectivity, safety, and temperature management in battery storage.
Hydrogen
Members from the Industrial Automation sector connect directly with their knowledge to customers from the process industry, who want to make opportunities possible. Within the Industrial Electronics sector, members demonstrate their expertise in Power Electronics & Energy Storage, which addresses enabling technology for hydrogen fuel cells.
Batteries
Phoenix Contact presented in 2023 the importance of connectivity in the design of a battery system. Bender Benelux showed the correct way of monitoring, to recognize insulation faults in BESS and DC systems at an early stage. Weiss Technik discussed the creation of a test lab for batteries. EPIC power indicated how renewable energy can be linked to battery systems and fuel cells by DC/DC converters. There are several other technical aspects that are important. The systematic approach to temperature measurements in battery applications and the management of temperature in batteries, for example, to ultimately maximize the service life. Speakers also discussed capacitors for energy storage and the importance of the power supply in the electrification of machines at Mechanical engineering.
Main methods: Electrolysis, pyrolysis, heat pumps, wind and solar parks, nuclear energy and hydroelectric power stations.
Energy production converts sources into usable forms of energy that can then be stored or distributed. FHI members are closely involved in technical installations for electrolysis and pyrolysis. In addition, conversion techniques such as DC/AC conversion are essential to efficiently store and distribute energy.
Main networks: Heating network, electricity network, gas network, water network.
The energy infrastructure is crucial for the reliable and efficient coupling of supply and demand. The choices in the distribution networks for heat, gas, water and electricity therefore determine how well the energy system functions now and in the future. This will be discussed during various FHI events and seminars. For example, on 8 June 2023, FHI organised a theme meeting on grid congestion, with contributions from experts from Stichting E-Laad, Alliander, Vattenfall, Resourcefully, Novar and Stedin. They shared practical solutions to tackle capacity problems in the electricity network and improve reliability. During the change of chairman on 30 May 2024, Netbeheer Nederland took us through what they do.
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At the Power Electronics and Energy Storage event, various speakers discussed technical solutions to limit energy loss during distribution. For example, the University of Twente discussed the electrification of boats and the smart combination of energy sources. In addition, PRAX presented the possibilities to minimize energy loss with a different approach.
FHI facilitates knowledge exchange within specialized groups. For example, members of EMVT have jointly discussed short-circuit issues in high-voltage substations, and the EMC-ESD association has addressed the topic of wireless power transmission. Members of the Energy Platform also meet to discuss standards and regulations, which form the basis for a safe and future-oriented infrastructure.
FHI members provide a wide range of technologies and expertise, such as Test & Measurement equipment, sensors, measurement and control technology, and IoT solutions. These innovations make it possible to accurately monitor the energy infrastructure and adjust it where necessary. In this way, FHI members contribute to the reliability and resilience of the entire distribution system.
Main sectors: Industry, buildings, consumer sector, agricultural sector, mobility, infrastructure.
Energy consumption is widely applied and optimized in sectors such as industry, mobility and data centers. At events such as Energy in Industry discussed how monitoring technologies help to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Applications range from vehicle electrification to energy-efficient building solutions and efficient data center techniques. FHI members offer solutions such as energy monitoring, power quality management and improving sustainability in industrial processes.
Energy consumption plays a major role in a variety of applications such as mobility, devices, transport, production and machines. Rising energy costs are causing companies to increasingly focus on efficient and responsible energy use, supported by technological innovations.
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