Grid-aware construction could increase housing capacity in the Netherlands

Research from CE Delft suggests that grid-aware construction can significantly increase housing capacity in areas with limited electricity grid space. In a study of a hypothetical new development, implementing grid-aware measures could increase the number of homes from 820 to as many as 1,250 within the same capacity. These measures include better insulation, efficient heat generation, smart installation management, and local energy storage or neighborhood batteries.

While these solutions offer societal benefits by providing housing sooner, the study notes a distribution challenge: the societal gains come from earlier housing availability, but the costs may fall disproportionately on homeowners, housing corporations, and renters. Waiting for grid reinforcement could delay housing realization until 2040, resulting in a societal loss of approximately 7.3 million euros.

In a related discussion on urban design, TU Delft professor Tess Broekmans advocates for a shift away from building single-family homes to address the Netherlands' housing shortage and land scarcity. She notes that while the country has millions of single-family homes, changing household sizes mean many are underutilized. Broekmans suggests that future urban planning must better balance the need for housing with space for recreation, parking, and nature.