The electricity grid in the Bommelerwaard and Neerijnen is full. The maximum capacity has been reached. As a result, grid operator Liander is asking entrepreneurs with plans to supply additional electricity to the grid to wait until 2023.
In recent years, an inventory has already been carried out in collaboration between the horticulturalists and the network operator of the plans of horticulturalists for the next 5 and 10 years. The grid operator subsequently invested heavily in the grid.
Growers are not standing still
For market growers, the notification of the network operator now means that they are not allowed to supply additional electricity to the network. Good to know, says program manager of Greenhouse Horticulture Pact Bommelerwaard & Neerijnen Gerard Selman, is that horticulturalists can continue to develop. For example, there are growers who have recently installed a CHP. There is also plenty of light in the area. As long as gardeners do not supply extra back to the net, that is not a problem.
Assessment
Because the problem had been an issue for a while, entrepreneurs have been asked in recent years to provide insight into their plans. Based on this inventory, it was examined where the greatest need for expansion was.
In 2023, there should be space on the grid again with the expansion of an electricity distribution station in Zaltbommel. Where possible, congestion management is also applied by Liander.
A webinar on the topic was held this week. Information about this will follow at a later stage.
Unexpectedly rapid growth
Incidentally, it is not only the developments in greenhouse horticulture that have just put pressure on the grid. Solar and wind farms are also responsible for the substantial growth in electricity that is supplied to the grid and for which the grid in the region was not prepared for.
Grid operator Liander said several years ago that it was surprised by the developments. Regional representative Frieke Ortmans of Liander says: “It is of course very annoying for companies that want to become more sustainable and cannot discharge their electricity on our grid. We are therefore doing everything we can to complete the work at the Zaltbommel electricity distribution station by 2023. We are in constant dialogue with our customers, so that they know what to expect from us and when. ”
Liander also likes to receive early insight into plans from customers, in order to be able to anticipate electricity needs and feed-in.