Grid operator builds gas generators to keep Utrecht's power grid reliable

A foundation has been laid and a connection to the power grid, but otherwise it is still an empty piece of land next to the Utrecht Strijkviertel district. The installation of gas generators will begin here soon. These devices generate electricity by burning natural gas and can supply this electricity locally to the power grid.

This project should keep the overcrowded power grid here intact. Even on the coldest winter days. That's when people use the most electricity to heat and light their homes.

The generators are a new step in absorbing the consequences of the overcrowded power grid. It is a drastic measure for grid operator Stedin. "It was a very difficult decision," says Aline Arends, operational director at Stedin, "but the power grid in Utrecht is completely full." A few days a year Almost all of the Netherlands suffers from an overcrowded power grid, but around Utrecht the problems are particularly serious.

From July 1, a complete connection stop will apply here. Both consumers and companies that want a new or larger connection will be put on a waiting list. What is grid congestion?

More and more parts of the Netherlands are struggling with an overcrowded power grid, also known as grid congestion. There is enough power, but there is not enough space in the power cables to get it from A to B. It is comparable to a road where traffic jams arise: not all people who want to purchase or supply electricity can be helped at the time they wish. This does not happen at all times.

There is more than enough space for large parts of the day, but at times of high supply and demand the power grid can become full. Although the problems occur almost everywhere in the Netherlands, they are not the same everywhere. The regions of Utrecht and East Brabant suffer the most.

In Strijkviertel there is still enough space on Stedin's own grid, but the full high-voltage grid further away acts like a bottleneck. As a result, at times with the highest power peaks, it is not possible to transport sufficient power there. The gas generators must prevent the power from going out.

Arends expects that the devices will run a few days a year. The rest of the time they are turned off and not burning natural gas. Keeping the lights on The project at Strijkviertel is the furthest along, but Stedin wants to install generators at three other locations around Utrecht.

Placement in other regions may also follow later. Grid operators Enexis and Liander are also considering more flexible generation, which may also include gas generators. The construction does not yet mean that Stedin can connect additional companies or homes.

The generators are really necessary to 'keep the lights on'. "The first are used to ensure the safety and stability of the grid," says operational director Arends. It is therefore urgent that construction is completed on time.

Otherwise, additional measures will be needed for next winter. According to Arends, later projects may create room for new connections. The generators are expected to remain in place for ten to fifteen years. In the meantime, the national grid operator Tennet is strengthening the high-voltage grid.