Netherlands implements early grid capacity applications for housing and schools

Several Dutch municipalities, including Roosendaal, Eemsdelta, Zaltbommel, and Zandvoort, are implementing a national regulation known as ‘Eerder Aanvragen’ (Earlier Application) to combat electricity grid congestion. This initiative allows developers of housing and educational projects to request transport capacity and power connections earlier in the planning process, helping them secure a place on waiting lists managed by grid operators like Enexis and Liander.

In Roosendaal and Eemsdelta, specific deadlines have been set for project registration to ensure they are included in upcoming capacity requests. The goal is to prevent delays in critical infrastructure and housing developments caused by the limited availability of grid space.

In a related development for grid flexibility, the Arnhem-based company EARN-E has secured funding from the Innovatie- en Energiefonds Gelderland and imec. start to develop software for the automatic control of home batteries, charging stations, and heat pumps. The platform aims to optimize energy consumption and storage to reduce pressure on the national electricity network.