TenneT unveils Target Grid, a novel strategy created to meet the enormous problems of the energy transformation.
By 2045, a grid of power should be in place for a thriving, sustainable economy, with enough green electricity available at all times for consumers and businesses alike. Rob Jetten, the minister for climate and energy policy, received the initial Target Grid, along with the grid map for 2045.
TenneT‘s Target Grid project calls for a network of energy hubs and DC (direct current) superhighways, as well as a considerable upgrade to the current AC (alternating current) grid. By combining these energy hubs and connecting them with superhighways, it will be possible to transport renewable electricity over great distances from the North Sea to consumers and industry while maintaining the stability of the power system. The Target Grid will now be further developed in collaboration with all stakeholders as a result of the transition to Minister Rob Jetten.
Demand for and use of offshore wind
Both Germany and the Netherlands are faced with significant and comparable challenges, including more than a doubling of electricity consumption, five to ten times greater generation capacity, high levels of necessary flexibility, and, for each nation, roughly 70 GW of offshore wind energy that must efficiently reach industries and households in Dutch, German, and other European countries. Future high-voltage grid implementation will require a novel strategy to deliver these vast amounts of electricity to the proper locations quickly.
Target Grid goals
Target Grid is based on the Netherlands II3050 (Integrated Infrastructure Study 2030-2050) and the German NEP2023 greatest electrification scenarios (Grid Development Plan). As a result, the Netherlands and a sizable portion of Germany will eventually have a network set up to support a 100 percent renewable energy system that is strong enough to guarantee supply security. The North Sea may now become a really sustainable, environmentally friendly hub for the delivery of electrons in the centre of the European energy transition thanks to Target Grid.
The North Sea is the most significant source of renewable electricity for the Netherlands, Germany, and the rest of North-Western Europe, and Target Grid is focused on accessing it as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Germany’s offshore capacity (70 GW) will be required for domestic electrification. The Netherlands’ anticipated 72 GW offshore wind capacity and its great links with other nations give it additional options and advantages because at 52 GW, it can cover its domestic demands for energy and hydrogen. The security of supply for Dutch residents, businesses, and industry remains high even during periods of reduced wind, while during periods of strong wind, the electricity and hydrogen markets can gain economically. The Netherlands will occasionally export electricity and occasionally import electricity, just like it does now.
Going forward
With the introduction of Target Grid, TenneT begins a conversation with stakeholders with the goal of developing Target Grid further. Here, five principles are fundamentally significant. The creation of a comprehensive North Sea country strategy for 2050 with agreements between the North Sea countries is the first step. Moreover, more placement strategy is needed to create energy demand centres in the appropriate places. The development of the energy corridors TenneT has included in Target Grid also requires prompt licencing.
Additionally, it is advised that the energy market model be modified to make it easier for countries to exchange electricity generated by offshore wind and to fairly distribute the associated expenses. The high offshore wind ambitions around the world, the limited supply of critical components, the availability of (dock)yards, installation vessels, and manpower, as well as the pressure on the supply chain for critical infrastructure components, are all factors that TenneT sees as contributing to this. TenneT suggests a coordinated (European) approach to guarantee enough and long-term stable supply chain capacity.
Image source: TenneT
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