Rapid growth in solar and wind to cause structural congestion in certain grids

Dutch TSO TenneT expects structural congestion in the 150kV grids of the provinces of Flevoland and Gelderland during the period 2021-2029. This is caused by the rapid growth of solar and wind production in the grid of the regional grid operator (Liander) and in TenneT’s grid in these regions.

With the structural congestion TenneT refers to article 9.5 of the Dutch Grid Code. The resulting higher transport demand cannot be fully facilitated due to the limited available transport capacity in the high-voltage grid.

The congestion area concerns all 150kV-stations in the province of Flevoland and all 150kV-stations in the province of Gelderland. In this area, the total contracted transmission capacity is about 5600 MW. The total available transmission capacity (stations Lelystad, Dodewaard, Doetinchem) is about 3350 MW.

This capacity is, however, completely alloted in signed bids for contracted transmission capacity. There are no restrictions with regard to consumption; only with regard to feed-in.

Possible solutions

The structural solution consists of splitting the meshed 150kV Flevoland-Gelderland-Utrecht grid into a minimum of four grid sections with their own connection to the 380kV grid, increasing the 150/380kV transformation capacity and possibly strengthening 150kV connections. The increase in transformation capacities will be completed in phases over the period 2026-2029.

Research

TenneT will initiate research into the possibilities for applying congestion management in the mentioned area in accordance with the Grid Code Electricity article 9.5 paragraph 5. The grid operator will make th results available after completion. Source: TenneT

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