Gas generators as a temporary solution to combat grid congestion:
Can you think of a greener alternative?
The energy transition is in full swing and grid congestion is an unintended consequence of this process. This hinders greening, for example, by making it difficult for companies to electrify their vehicle fleets. This problem forces us to find innovative and sometimes unexpected solutions. Recently, the provincial authorities of Utrecht, in collaboration with Tennet and Stedin, decided to use gas generators as a temporary measure against grid congestion. This raises questions about the sustainability and future-proofing of our energy supply. How future-proof are these gas generators and can we think of a greener solution?
Gas generators support the energy transition
The problem of grid congestion is crystal clear. Without taking measures now, some one and a half million low-volume consumers are at risk of experiencing power outages in 2030. The gas generators that the provincial authorities of Utrecht, Flevoland and Gelderland want to deploy to produce electricity locally are therefore much-needed.
"Local energy generation is the future and can also be very green and sustainable," Martin Marijnissen explains. "But in this case, we're talking about assets that need to supply energy when wind and solar energy come up short. "And it's then that the certainty of a gas generator offers a solution." Martin is Director of New Business at Pon Power and, in that role, closely involved in projects in which local energy solutions do not burden the national power grid, but which still produce the necessary power.
Martin: "It's understandable that gas generators, as fossil fuel burners, raise some eyebrows. Yet the energy transition is taking such large steps right now, that we need this intermediate step. An intermediate step that provides a 100% guarantee of energy, especially if more sustainable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines aren't available. We also have gas generators that run on hydrogen, but because the availability of green hydrogen is very limited, these gas generators remain the most responsible solution."
“It's understandable that gas generators, as fossil fuel burners, raise some eyebrows.”
Locally, it can be greener
Pon Power has been facilitating local energy generation for decades. For example, in greenhouse horticulture; a sector where generating your own energy is a standard part of the business model. "But," Nico van den Biggelaar goes on, "in recent years we've also been doing this for companies that can't secure a grid connection when expanding or building new buildings, or only a small one. What we see is that companies are sometimes on a waiting list with a waiting period of five years, without any guarantees of a connection. Of course, this is far from ideal for companies that want to grow and innovate. That's why we offer solutions that enable these companies to take matters into their own hands."
Thanks to a microgrid, these companies can move forward. Sometimes with a gas generator, but often also without. "With solar panels and batteries, sometimes combined with a very limited grid connection, we often manage. These companies are no longer dependent on the overloaded power grid and can continue their operations without interruption. This is truly green and sustainable, without the need for generators in daily operations."
"The most important thing is that companies no longer have to wait for a solution to grid congestion," Nico emphasises. "We provide solution certainty by providing them with the technology and support they need to become independent of the main grid. Not only does this benefit their business operations, the sustainability of our energy supply as a whole benefits as well."
“The most important thing is that companies no longer have to wait for a solution to grid congestion”
Affordable batteries increasingly popular as a solution
In addition to gas generators, we are also seeing an increase in affordable battery solutions. These batteries can store excess energy from solar panels and wind turbines, making businesses and households less dependent on the overloaded power grid. "The technology behind batteries has improved significantly in recent years, making them an increasingly attractive alternative," Nico explains. "Lithium-ion batteries in particular have fallen in price and offer high storage capacity. We use them frequently in our microgrids."
Not only can these batteries absorb peaks in the energy consumption, they also contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy supply. "Companies can often become completely self-sufficient with the right combination of solar panels and batteries," Nico adds. "This is a very green solution that not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also reduces the pressure on the power grid."
Although the use of gas generators may be a necessary intermediate step, the focus on sustainable and innovative solutions remains essential. "The energy transition requires flexibility and forward thinking," Nico concludes. "With the continued development of battery technology and other green solutions, we can move towards a future in which grid congestion is no longer a barrier to growth and innovation."
