Building the energy system of the future
The Netherlands is changing fast. We are switching to energy from renewable sources and using more and more electricity. For our heating, we are switching to sustainable alternatives. This development calls for a new energy system; a system that is both aligned with how we use energy today and ready for the future.
Why the energy system
needs to change
Energy used to be generated by power plants. From there, the energy went to households and businesses. Today, things are different. We now generate energy in a lot more places, such as through solar panels and at wind farms. At the same time, electricity demand is rising rapidly and is expected to increase even further in the years ahead.
The supply side is also changing. Solar and wind power are renewable, but they are not always available. As a result, the energy system is a lot less predictable. This means we need more flexibility. To increase flexibility, we are building a system where various sources of energy work together and complement each other.
Today’s reality:
a congested electricity grid
The consequences
of grid congestion
A congested power grid creates a lot of challenges for our customers and in society as a whole. It makes it harder for businesses to grow or go sustainable. But it also affects consumers, such as when housing development projects are delayed because new properties cannot be connected to the grid. Or when someone is unable to get a higher-capacity connection for a charging station, for example. Given these challenges, it is important that we find solutions for customers as quickly as possible and utilise the grid as efficiently as possible.
Finding
solutions
In order to tackle these challenges, we are focusing our efforts on both expanding and innovating the grid.
Finding solutions
Building
We are continuing to expand the electricity grid by adding extra cables and substations. This creates more capacity for new developments. At the same time, thousands of colleagues work every day to strengthen and extend the grid, so homes, businesses and renewable energy projects can stay connected. Expanding the grid remains essential to prepare the Netherlands for a future in which we use more and more electricity.
Improving use
We are also improving how we use the existing electricity grid. By spreading electricity demand and supply more effectively and encouraging flexible energy use, we can create extra capacity without building new infrastructure straight away. For example, electricity can be used when there is enough capacity available, energy can be stored, or smart digital control systems can be used. This allows more customers to make sustainable choices while making the best possible use of the available capacity on the grid.
Digitalisation of the energy network
In order to provide everyone with energy in the future, not only more cables and stations are needed, but also smart digital solutions. Digitalisation helps us plan the energy network better, make smarter use of it and expand it faster. This way, we can use the available space on the network more efficiently, solve faults faster and better support customers in their plans for the future.
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Digitalisation is an indispensable part of the energy transition. By making better use of data, automating processes and applying new digital technologies, we can develop solutions faster and more effectively. This is how we increase our impact for customers and society.
Empowering the
Energy Transition
Alliander faces a major societal challenge: enabling the energy transition. We know we will not achieve our goals just by working harder. This is also not a sprint, but a long marathon that is becoming increasingly complicated. That is why it is important to reflect on what will help us the most. How we can approach this in the right way and how we can maintain it. The strategy process is an excellent tool to make this clear.
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New solutions
We are also developing new solutions and technologies that enable better management and utilisation of the system. All of this is making the energy system more flexible one step at a time.
We keep building,
together
The energy transition is a shared challenge. No single party can solve it on its own.
That's why we work closely together with customers, partners and public authorities. Together, we explore what is possible and develop solutions that work in the real world. Sometimes this means making different choices and adopting new ways of working. By working together, we are making a real difference.
Building a future-proof
energy system
The transition to a new energy system is a major and complex challenge. Even so, we are making progress every day. We are building, innovating and finding solutions together. With these efforts, we are making sure that energy continues to be available to everyone – both today and in the future.