Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 11:34 .

Alliander Tackles Netherlands' Grid Capacity Challenges with Flexibility Management and Innovative Technology Solutions

The transcript discusses the challenges and strategies of Alliander, a Dutch energy company, in managing grid capacity amidst increasing demand. A recent update on the Netherlands' capacity map shows worsening conditions with more areas turning red or orange due to increased consumption. The company faces significant pressure as customer requests for new connections have surged by 25%, translating to about 10,000 customers waiting to connect. This demand exceeds what has been built over the past century. To address these issues, Alliander is transitioning from a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) model focused on asset management to a Distribution System Operator (DSO) approach that emphasizes capacity management and market engagement. They are exploring multiple solutions including extending grid limits, reducing frequency control impacts, using tariffs strategically, implementing flexibility management through Grid-as-a-Service technology (HAAS), and employing real-time emergency steering. Flexibility management involves forecasting peak demands and reacting appropriately via full flexibility communication with markets or early curtailment agreements with customers. Solutions developed include digital twins for integrated views of grids and partnerships like those with Siemens Gridscale X for use case development. Alliander aims to replace traditional hardware investments worth €1 billion with advanced flexibility tools representing an investment shift towards innovative technologies valued at €2.4 billion overall.

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Speaker

Mark Nigge-Uricher
Senior Business Developer
Alliander N.V.
The Netherlands

Talk of session: Developing the Future Distribution Grid

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Carmen Gimeno
Secretary General
GEODE
Belgium

To Talk

The Energy Transition - Challenges for Grid Operators

Speaker

Luís Vale Cunha
Chairman
ETIP SNET
Portugal

To Talk

Bringing Flexibility to the System - Local Flexibility Markets

Speaker

Rune Hogga
Head of Flexibility
A Energi
Norway

To Talk

Challenges and Strategies in Grid Development

Speaker

Harri Salomäki
Head of Asset Management and Partnerships
Elenia
Finland

To Talk

Unlocking Flexibility - Bridging the Gap Between Flexibility Demand and Supply for Grid Stability

Speaker

Maddalena Pondini
Sustainability Advisory Expert
Siemens AG
Germany

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk

Partners & Sponsors