Dutch Businesses Face A 10-Year Wait for Grid Access

Grid congestion curtails company growth in Holland with up to a 10-year wait for a new or upgraded electricity connection…

The Challenge in the Netherlands: Grid Limitations and Business Growth

Imagine this: You’re a business in Holland, ready to expand and innovate. But there’s a major obstacle—a 10-year wait for a new or upgraded electricity connection.

This isn’t just a delay; it’s a direct threat to growth, sustainability goals, and competitiveness.

The Netherlands is a thriving hub of innovation and sustainability, but many businesses face an increasingly urgent problem—severe electricity grid congestion. In regions like Noord-Holland, the demand for electricity is outpacing the grid’s capacity, leading to waiting times of up to 10 years for new or upgraded connections. This gridlock is a major obstacle for companies aiming to scale up their operations, electrify their fleets, or invest in renewable energy.

Understanding the Congestion Problem

The Dutch electricity grid, managed by operators like TenneT and regional DSOs, is under immense pressure. The rapid rise in renewable energy production, coupled with increased electricity consumption for industrial growth, has created a bottleneck. Areas with dense industrial activity, such as Noord-Holland, are particularly affected, as businesses compete for limited grid access.

This problem isn’t just technical; it’s also financial. Businesses looking to expand face delays that stall growth plans, while electricity prices remain volatile due to an imbalance between supply and demand. The challenge is compounded by the Netherlands’ ambitious climate goals, which aim to achieve a 55% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. Achieving this requires a transition to electrified and sustainable solutions—solutions that are currently out of reach for many companies because of grid limitations.

Areas with grid connection issues – companies queuing – shown in red. Source: Capaciteitskaart

The Impact on Businesses

Grid congestion puts businesses in a difficult position. Without access to sufficient power, expanding production lines, scaling facilities, or even maintaining operations during peak demand periods becomes increasingly challenging. For businesses that depend on energy-intensive operations, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a potential crisis.

Moreover, energy price volatility adds another layer of uncertainty. With wholesale electricity prices fluctuating dramatically, businesses face the dual challenges of managing costs and ensuring energy reliability.

Wattstor: The Partner for Growth and Energy Independence

This is where Wattstor steps in. Our mission is to empower businesses to grow and thrive, regardless of grid limitations, by providing innovative energy solutions that ensure energy independence, cost savings, and operational flexibility.

How we help companies right across Europe to overcome grid constraints

Overcome Grid Constraints with Onsite Energy Systems

Wattstor offers customized solutions that enable businesses to generate their own electricity through renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Paired with advanced battery storage systems, companies can store excess energy for later use, ensuring a reliable power supply even during grid congestion. This means your growth plans can move forward without waiting for grid upgrades.

Optimise Energy Use with Podium EMS

Our Podium Energy Management System (EMS) ensures that every watt of energy is used efficiently. Podium provides real-time insights, helps businesses avoid peak grid times, and automatically adjusts energy consumption patterns to maximize savings. With Podium, you’re not just managing energy—you’re optimizing it for growth.

A Future Without Limits

Grid congestion is a challenge in Holland, but it doesn’t have to limit your business’s potential. By partnering with Wattstor, companies can achieve energy independence, unlock cost savings, and continue to grow sustainably. With our advanced energy solutions, you can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Don’t wait for the grid to catch up to your ambitions. Choose Wattstor to power your growth, drive innovation, and secure your energy future. Let’s build a more resilient and sustainable future—together.