Shortage of transport capacity on energy market continues

The current shortage of transmission capacity in the electricity grids will persist for the next 5 to 10 years. This is apparent from an assessment by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). With the growing demand, the problem is expected to increase further in the coming years.

There is currently a shortage of transmission capacity in several places in the electricity grids. Grid operators Liander, Enduris, Enexis and TenneT cannot realize all the investments necessary for the solution in time. According to the ACM, this can delay the progress of the energy transition.

Worrying situation
With effect from 2020, ACM will assess the investment plans that grid operators of electricity and gas networks must make every 2 years. The plans state which investments are required in the networks to meet future energy demand.

In a letter to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, ACM calls the situation worrying. This is partly because the problems surrounding a greater demand than supply of transport capacity will only increase in the coming years. In many places, the timing of planned investments in the electricity grid is lagging behind forecasted demand.

Transport capacity refused
In some cases, grid operators can temporarily resolve this by taking operational measures. One of the risks, however, is that renewable energy producers will be temporarily refused transport capacity. According to ACM, a joint effort is needed to find solutions in the longer term.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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