Large-scale battery storage is on the rise. The City of Groningen has noticed this in the number of applications it receives from project developers. It is therefore important to establish policy guidelines. We have prepared a report outlining policy frameworks. In addition, we provide support in defining the technical, social, financial, legal, and spatial requirements.
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Large-scale battery storage is becoming increasingly important for providing the necessary flexibility to the energy system. During peak hours, we can store wind or solar energy and feed it into the grid during off-peak hours. Local governments also recognize the value of this. However, due to the innovative nature of such initiatives, they lack the necessary experience to evaluate applications.
In the old centralized energy system, the flexibility of fossil fuel-based power generation allowed production to be adjusted to meet demand. With the phase-out of fossil fuels, this flexibility is disappearing. Renewable energy sources depend on the elements. On days with plenty of sun and wind, there is plenty of energy. On calm, drizzly days, nothing happens. So extra flexibility is needed to keep the system in balance.
The societal importance of large-scale battery storage
On the demand side, we face peaks in production and consumption. If there is no flexibility to respond to these peaks, we face grid congestion; the grid becomes overloaded and can no longer handle all the energy flows. Without sufficient flexibility, various societal interests may therefore be compromised.
Grid congestion hinders business growth and limits opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves. This jeopardizes economic development. For now, capacity shortages do not appear to be affecting housing construction. However, this too could be at risk in the future if connecting public facilities—such as supermarkets, swimming pools, or schools—to the power grid becomes a problem.
But grid congestion can also jeopardize the continuity of renewable energy projects. In areas where the grid is overloaded, we cannot connect new solar or wind farms. And that, in turn, leads to a slowdown in the energy transition.
Large-scale battery storage can help provide a solution to congestion.
We can release the electricity stored in batteries during peak energy consumption periods. This allows us to bridge the gap between supply and demand without having to rely on power plants that run on fossil fuels.
For now, we need both fossil fuels and battery capacity to limit the risk of power outages and maintain grid reliability
Why?
The report is unique for us because Repowered typically focuses on technical analyses, energy concepts, and designs. In this case, the project involved developing a policy-based approach. This made it a challenging process, but it also taught us a great deal. Not only the City of Groningen, but also many other local governments have shown great interest in our report. It appears that they are facing the same challenges with the increasing number of applications for large-scale battery storage. That is why it is all the more valuable that we—in collaboration with APPM consultants—have had the opportunity to provide policy support that can be of value to many local governments.
Contribution to the sustainable development of the province of Groningen
Our report is expected to make a significant contribution to the further development of renewable energy in the province of Groningen. It provides local governments with a basis for evaluating and supporting initiatives in the field of large-scale battery storage. This enables them to play a crucial role in realizing a flexible and resilient energy system.
At Repowered, we are proud to have contributed to this important step toward a sustainable and energetic future for Groningen and beyond.
Last updated on September 23, 2025
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