Local energy generation: the answer to grid congestion

The energy transition is in full swing, but in the Netherlands, there are increasing bottlenecks in the electricity grid due to the growing amount of green energy. As a result, companies are more frequently facing a shortage of transport capacity, particularly when expanding or establishing new locations. The solution lies in local energy generation, which can both relieve the national electricity grid and ensure that everyone continues to have power. What do these solutions look like, and can they be implemented on a large scale to prevent grid congestion?

Generating energy locally and doing more with what you already have

Pon Power has decades of experience in local energy generation and is seeing its customer base become increasingly diverse due to grid congestion. Nico van den Biggelaar, Senior Account Manager for Sustainable Energy Solutions, explains: "Where we were traditionally active in sectors such as greenhouse horticulture, in recent years we have increasingly been working with customers from other sectors who are encountering energy shortages for the first time. Think, for example, of a manufacturer in the food industry or an auto body repair company that wants to expand but suddenly can't get power from the grid."

In cases of grid congestion, local energy generation is essential. Nico continues: "We offer customized solutions, often in combination with existing assets. These solutions, known as microgrids, are integrated systems managed by our Pon Power Energy Management System. This system combines solar panels, gas generator sets, batteries, and more to ensure a reliable energy supply."

Specific practical example

A current example of a local energy solution are the microgrids we developed for Schiphol Trade Park, Europe’s most sustainable business park. By creating standalone energy networks here, whether or not connected to the traditional power grid, we address the acute energy problems caused by grid congestion. In the accompanying photo, you can see one of these microgrids at Schiphol Trade Park. Surrounded by several megawatt peaks of solar panels, these microgrids consist of batteries, gas and diesel engines, fuel tanks, and switchgear containers with low-voltage distributors and an Energy Management System control panel, all supplied by us.

"We offer tailor-made solutions for grid congestion, often in combination with existing assets."

A customised energy solution for every situation

Of course, every business situation is different. These situations involve existing assets, but also the nature of grid congestion. Nico explains: "What we have seen recently is that grid congestion occurs in specific time slots. Companies can get a grid connection, but they can't get power in the late afternoon and early evening. In such cases, it is not necessary to install energy-generating assets, because with batteries, we ensure that we can store power during times when it is available for use later."

Solving grid congestion as sustainably as possible is always the primary goal, but in situations where the available sustainable sources cannot provide enough energy for the business process, we integrate efficiently operating conventional gas generator sets. Here, the sustainable approach remains paramount, and we aim to minimize the operating hours of these generator sets.