Grid congestion can significantly slow down expansion plans and sustainability efforts in industrial parks. But what can a municipality actually do? Commissioned by the municipality of Smallingerland, KplusV and Repowered investigated the consequences of grid congestion in Drachten. The result: clear insights that lead to concrete courses of action.
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In Smallingerland, too, grid congestion is hindering the development and sustainability efforts of industrial parks. The shortage of transmission capacity on the power grid is bringing expansion and sustainability initiatives to a standstill.
The region is expected to face transmission constraints for both consumption and feed-in until 2034. This is due to a shortage of transmission capacity at the Drachten substation. Without action, economic growth and sustainability efforts will be jeopardized.
To get a handle on this issue, the municipality asked KplusV and Repowered to provide insight: what impact does grid congestion have on the De Haven and Tussendiepen industrial parks, and what concrete steps can be taken in the short and long term?
Assessing the situation
To gain a clear picture of the situation, a colleague from KplusV interviewed a representative group of business owners to assess their current energy consumption and future plans.
Gathering information
We also collected historical energy data from the relevant metering companies. In addition, we used Liander’s Energy Neighborhood Scanto analyze the local grid structure: how are businesses connected, and who shares which cables?
Energy Profile Simulation
Using the information we gathered, we estimated each company’s future energy needs by simulating energy profiles for the coming years. This helps identify bottlenecks in transmission capacity.
We then explored possible solutions, focusing on collective approaches: for example, sharing transportation capacity or deploying a shared battery.
The study provides concrete guidance for the municipality of Smallingerland:
A collective battery can make a significant contribution to reducing grid congestion, provided it is combined with appropriate contract types, such as a group transmission agreement (GTA) or through congestion management using a capacity-limiting contract (CLC) or capacity-control contract (CCC).
Thanks to the study, the municipality now has a clear understanding of:
“KplusV and Repowered have helped us get a handle on the issues and gain insight into which potential solutions hold the most promise for these industrial parks.”Jelmer van der Meer, Business Account Manager at the Municipality of Smallingerland
We combine our data-driven approach with practical expertise to provide insights and actionable recommendations. This helps you manage grid congestion and creates opportunities for growth and sustainability.
About KplusV
KplusV, formerly E&E advies, is a Groningen-based partner dedicated to strengthening the economy and the energy transition. Our services complement each other well, allowing us to create greater value for our clients together.
Last updated on March 24, 2026
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