Our goal for 2030 is to offer customers solutions that are compatible with an affordable and reliable energy system. In this way we hope not only to make the energy transition possible, but also to accelerate it, allowing the Netherlands to become climate neutral by 2050. Our strategy sets out how we plan to achieve this aim and what we need from others. After all, we cannot do it on our own.
The government has agreed that the Netherlands must eliminate its harmful CO2 emissions by 2050. To achieve this, by 2030 we already need to cut the CO2 we emit by 55%. If we can reduce our emissions by 60% by that point, so much the better.
This will require us to make major changes to our energy networks. And to do so against a background of shortages. We are faced with a shortage of technicians to carry out the work, there is not enough public space to build the many transformer stations and substations that will be needed, and the materials, such as cables, pipes and transformers, required to create the necessary infrastructure are also in short supply.
As a result, the waiting time for a connection has risen sharply and there have been significant delays to the work we need to perform on the networks. This is having a huge impact on our customers, housebuilding and the economy. And, if we are not careful, it will impact on the sustainability of the Netherlands too.
We don’t yet know what exactly the energy system will look like in 2050. One thing that is clear is that we will need to upgrade and expand our networks and also use them more effectively, for example by sharing energy on a local level.
As we phase out natural gas, we will increasingly move towards a mix of electricity, heat, green gas and hydrogen. There will be a shift from a small number of energy sources (such as today’s gas-fired power stations) to an increasing number of local sources (such as wind turbines and solar panels).
That means the energy system will become a combination of different solutions. And that will require the government, the market and network operators to work together more effectively.
Our strategy is the roadmap for achieving our goal for 2030 and contributing to the 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Making the switch to clean energy is a major change. We want to prevent our energy system from becoming a bottleneck to achieving our climate targets.
By 2030 we aim to offer customers solutions that contribute to an affordable and reliable energy system. Our focus is on expanding our energy networks, increasing the flexibility of the energy system and communicating efficiently with customers and partners.
Our strategy consists of 7 pillars with specific goals and steps that will help us achieve our aims for 2030 and ensure a sustainable energy supply in the future. With this strategy we are not only accelerating the energy transition, but also helping the Netherlands achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Smart network maintenance and modern IT help us serve our customers better and stay a reliable partner.
We maintain our networks smartly and efficiently and are a reliable partner for our customers and society. We communicate efficiently and proactively with customers, especially if we are unable to fulfil all their wishes right away. We also ensure that outages, questions and complaints are dealt with and resolved efficiently. We are increasing our customer focus and making use of modern IT systems. That way customers will always know (online) where they stand.
By helping people insulate their homes, use energy wisely, and choose efficient local solutions, we help reduce the demand for energy transport.
We are helping customers make smart choices to reduce their energy consumption. We are doing this by working out together with local authorities – down to district level – which sustainable energy solution and energy carrier is most efficient and when it is available. We are encouraging customers to be energy conscious and ensure their homes are well insulated.
By using digital technology, more flexible rules, and new connection and pricing options, we use the energy network more efficiently and prevent overload.
We are using our networks more efficiently by digitalising them and increasing the load placed on our assets. We are moving away from capacity that is guaranteed 24/7 and offering customers various connection and tariff options. That allows us to connect more customers to the same infrastructure. We are trying to prevent congestion (overloading) and, together with TenneT, are ensuring the local electricity grid is well balanced. We want to move away from the traditional approach to expanding networks (adapting to peak demand). For that reason we are consulting with the government and other stakeholders on new rules and tariffs to make the energy network more flexible.
With area-based plans, close cooperation, and better processes, we speed up the building and strengthening of the energy infrastructure.
We are proactively drawing up plans, down to district or area level, aimed at creating the most suitable energy infrastructure and presenting these to public authorities. Together we are deciding what infrastructure will be constructed where and when and are working out a long-term timetable. We are helping public authorities communicate with residents and businesses about our plans and obtain the permits needed for projects. Based on a ‘district-by-district, area-by-area’ approach, we are upgrading whole districts and areas all at once, starting where permits have been granted and the necessary space has been made available promptly. We are working together with contractors and suppliers to give them greater certainty about the work they will have in the future. We are investing in digitalisation and process improvement and also using some innovations developed abroad. We are making it possible for customers to create their own connections in accordance with our specifications.
By sharing data, we help customers manage their energy use and make better choices.
We are sharing more data, such as data relating to our infrastructure and customers. This is helping customers manage their energy consumption and make good decisions.
We develop new infrastructure for hydrogen, green gas, and heat networks to make the energy system more sustainable and to reduce pressure on the electricity grid.
Hydrogen and green gas are becoming important parts of our energy system. We are using the existing gas network to transport these gases and improve the energy system. We are incorporating more green gas into the gas network and making sure this network can function in two directions. From 2028 we will also be constructing new networks for hydrogen, together with Gasunie. We will also be constructing more district heating networks, for both existing buildings and new developments. We are working together with public authorities and businesses to offer complete solutions, from design through to management. We are doing this in districts where it makes logical sense to use district heating networks, where people want this and where a local heat source is available. This will make it possible to use sustainable heat quickly and on a large scale, while at the same time easing the burden on the electricity grid.
With an agile organisation, strong culture, and modern IT, we build a solid foundation for the future.
We are working to improve our organisation and taking steps to create a structure in which every division is fully responsible for its own activities. We are agile and responsive and have a culture where safety, results, cost awareness, sustainability and inclusion are paramount. We have modern information and IT systems to help us serve our customers and achieve our goals.