Energy storage: crucial for the energy transition in the Netherlands
Energy storage is the temporary storage of electricity, heat, hydrogen, or other forms of energy for later use. It provides flexibility and stability in a sustainable energy system.
For example, you can store solar energy for when the sun isn’t shining, or supply wind energy when demand for electricity is high. To deploy energy storage at scale in the Netherlands, new storage methods at affordable prices need to be developed.
Energy storage in brief
- Energy storage is crucial for the success of the energy transition: it balances intermittent solar and wind so supply can reliably meet demand and the grid remains stable.
- There are multiple forms batteries, thermal storage, water storage each suited to specific use cases from homes and offices to industrial processes and large-scale buffers.
- Uncertainties in costs and implementation limit adoption today, including material price volatility (e.g. lithium) and differing regional grid rules that affect feasibility and timing.
- To enable large-scale storage we need: clear market agreements; continued development of batteries and other methods; and removal of barriers such as high, uncertain electricity transport costs and levies.
Forms of energy storage: important for a flexible energy system
Energy storage for large-scale use
- E‑boiler technology uses renewable electricity to heat water; the resulting steam can be stored and used as an energy source. Example: paper production (video). Buffers for large-scale electricity storage are in development.
- Compressed air energy storage (CAES) stores compressed air in underground salt caverns. During surplus renewable generation, compressors charge the caverns; during shortages, the system delivers flexibility. See Eneco’s CAES programme.
- Mega batteries help build reserves when solar and wind output is low. Example: GIGA Buffalo mega battery that stores green electricity as reserve capacity.
Energy storage for industry and businesses
- Thermal energy storage stores sustainable energy as heat in materials like water, sand, or stone promising for decarbonising heat in industry (see TNO overview), and a Dutch project in preparation for PepsiCo: project page.
- Hydrogen storage: green hydrogen produced from water using renewable electricity can be stored and used in industry and transport, and as reserve energy. More info: Eneco on green hydrogen.
- Industrial demand is rising for batteries and e‑boilers that add flexibility to the system; see ‘E‑boilers have the future’.
Energy storage for private individuals
- Heat pump buffers and solar boilers: store energy generated with heat pumps and solar boilers for local use.
- Home batteries: households can store surplus solar energy; example: Tesla Powerwall in the Benelux.
- Electric vehicles: by managing charging profiles, EVs can help balance the grid, making home energy storage easier and more widespread.
Energy storage is crucial for the transition to a sustainable energy supply
- Balance between energy supply and demand: storage ensures supply when renewable generation is lower.
- Integration of renewable sources: variable solar and wind require storage heat, compressed air, hydrogen to deliver flexibility.
- Grid stability and reliability: storage can address both under‑ and over‑production situations.
Uncertainties in costs and implementation limit energy storage
- Cost uncertainties: storing energy (solar boilers, water storage, batteries) requires investment. Recent price fluctuations in materials lithium and other metals and currency markets increase project risk.
- Unclear grid management: regional grid operator regulation differs by location, slowing expansion of storage projects.
Key challenges for batteries and compressed air storage
- Batteries: connected to the grid, they deliver or absorb capacity at peaks to keep supply constant. Dutch market acceleration: Lion Storage’s Mufasa.
- CAES permits and environmental effects: nationally NOx and CO₂ emissions decrease, but permitting norms vary; see Environmental impact assessment (MER).
How large-scale energy storage can become available
- Clear agreements between market players to define roles, conditions, and value across projects and markets.
- Further development of batteries for industry and at home; vehicle‑to‑grid examples include Ford F‑150 Lightning.
- Develop other storage methods; lower electricity transport costs and energy levies to improve feasibility.
