Boosting green gas for a sustainable future
Green gas plays a vital role in a future-proof energy system. In September in Wijster, Enexis commissioned the first of 20 green gas boosters. Thanks to this booster in Eursinge, we transmit an additional two million cubic metres of green gas every year to approximately 1,600 households. After this first booster in our gas network, more will follow, including between our and Gasunie’s networks.
Acquisition of 76,000 kilometres of cable
Over the next 12 years, Enexis will lay more than 76,000 kilometres of thick power cables to expand the electricity grid in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. This will involve more than 40,000 kilometres of medium-voltage cables and more than 36,000 kilometres of low-voltage cables, which will be needed to strengthen and expand the power grids in neighbourhoods. Enexis is increasing the number of cable suppliers from three to eight to enable the expansion. This is the result of a €2.3 billion tender. By pricing CO2 in the tender, we have concluded contracts with suppliers that deliver more circular products.
Cable route explorer selects the fastest and shortest route
Last year, Enexis introduced the Cable Route Explorer. This innovative software tool helps our engineers determine the optimal underground route for medium-voltage cables. Much like Google Maps, this tool takes into account complex conditions above and below ground, such as existing cables, type of road surface, trees or public/private land. The tool speeds up the design phase by at least 50%. Over the next few years, 260 km2 to 330 km2 of underground space in the Netherlands will be used to strengthen our infrastructure. Currently, engineers mainly map the risks for cable routes manually, which is time-consuming. The Cable Route Explorer will make this a thing of the past. Its recommendations prioritise the fastest, shortest and least risky routes.
Standard design for electricity substations
The construction of the new HV/MV substation in Musselkanaal marks an important step in our new approach: Enexis and TenneT are adopting a modular approach and using standardised designs for electricity substations. This allows us to strengthen and expand our energy grid more sustainably, quickly and efficiently. The new substation will add 360 MW of capacity and is specifically designed to serve large generators in the region, such as solar farms. It is expected to be operational by 2027. By 2030, we will build similar substations at five other locations.
A bigger role for contractors
To speed up the energy transition and executing more work, Enexis has set up proactive investment projects for low-voltage and medium-voltage production lines (PILV and PIMV) alongside its regular operations. The aim of the method is to achieve greater uniformity and efficiency in cooperation with contractors, whereby the capacity of the contractor is used to the maximum and thus contribute to maximum production growth. One example of a PIMV project is the collaboration between Enexis, the municipality of Oss and contractors. In Oss, we are working hard to expand the medium-voltage network. We are laying 50 kilometres of medium-voltage cables and building three new distribution substations. This will provide residents and businesses with a future-proof infrastructure.
Contractors play a key role in this process. Indeed, we are making them real partners in this joint effort. For the contractor, this means a bigger role and responsibility in terms of preparation, engineering, execution and drafting. Enexis will have more of a coordinating role.
Expanding our low-voltage production lines
How can we significantly expand our low-voltage grids in a proactive and neighbourhood-focused way? That was the aim of the PILV project: Proactive Investments in Low-Voltage production lines. As part of the project, we created a new low-voltage production line to implement the comprehensive PILV work package in practice. Since the summer of 2024, the work package has been scaled up and officially transitioned to our North and South Low-Voltage Production Lines. Contractors play a key role in this process: Enexis will coordinate, while the contractors will do most of the physical work.
The ‘My power grid, your power grid’ and ‘Full of energy’ campaigns
What is Enexis doing to tackle grid congestion? What can companies do themselves, and what can we do together? That is the focus of our ‘My power grid, your power grid’ campaign. Research shows that many of our business customers are not fully aware of the substantial impact that grid congestion has – or will have – on their business or organisation. Many business owners are still too optimistic and are taking a wait-and-see approach. But tackling congestion requires everyone’s effort, including our customers. They also have a role to play by adjusting their behaviour, using capacity more flexibly and being mindful of their energy consumption. It starts by recognising that we need to look at our grid differently. After all, it belongs to all of us!
We also want to raise consumer awareness about the energy transition. In early January, we launched our largest-ever consumer campaign: ‘Full of energy’. It shows, through the eyes of our engineers, what is happening in the energy transition, what our role is as grid operators and what consumers can do to make the most of the grid.
Reducing peak loads at Sappi
Maastricht paper producer Sappi and Enexis entered into a unique flexible contract last year. During periods of peak demand on the grid, Sappi reduces the factory’s peak load. This helps the company avoid overloading the Limburg electricity grid and creates space on the grid for other customers. In total, Sappi is providing 24 MW of flexible power. This is by far the largest flex contract by an industrial customer in the Netherlands and a great example of our ambition to make the market more flexible.
Flexible contract for solar park in Groningen…
Novar, a Groningen-based developer of large-scale renewable energy projects, signed a first Mandatory Bidding Contract with Enexis for its solar park in the north-east of Groningen. This means that starting 2024 Novar will temporarily adjust its energy supply if there is a risk that the electricity grid will be overloaded. In return, the company receives financial compensation. This is the first contract with firm agreements to provide flexible energy on the dedicated GOPACS platform. This approach helps to solve the capacity bottleneck in our Groningen grid.
…and in Noord-Brabant
Last year, we also signed a flexible contract with Starkraft and Scholt Energy for the Wilbertoor solar park in the Land van Cuijk. The solar park in the province of Noord-Brabant provides almost 6 MW of flexible power and helps Enexis ease the strain on the electricity grid. At peak times, the two companies feed less electricity back into the grid, allowing us to make better use of the scarce capacity.
Energy hub at the Kempen Business Park
Eighteen companies at Kempen Business Park in Bladel set up an energy hub in 2024: they will share their sustainably produced energy via a local energy system that regulates distribution and payment. To this end, the companies have signed an agreement with Enexis, the municipality of Bladel and the province of Noord-Brabant. Enexis supports the pilot project by providing data and introducing a new type of contract.
MijnWater Heerlen in operation
On 4 July, MijnWater officially opened a new geothermal heat source and an extension to the main pipeline network in Heerlen. This is MijnWater's third heat source in the city, which extracts hot groundwater from the former mine galleries at a depth of 690 metres. The extracted water is used to heat buildings and homes connected to the MijnWater network. The new pipeline network extends over 3,700 metres, increasing the system's capacity. MijnWater is a model project for heat transfer in the Netherlands. With this new source and network backbone, we are taking another important step towards a more sustainable regional energy supply. As a network company, we take an integrated approach to the energy system, and a heat grid like MijnWater helps to relieve pressure on the electricity grid.
Fastned eases pressure on the grid
Fastned and Enexis entered into a partnership last year to reduce the pressure on the electricity grid. During peak times on the electricity grid – which are not the busiest times at Fastned's fast charging stations – Fastned reduces its peak load by an average of 25%. This helps to avoid overloading the electricity grid in the areas concerned. Fastned’s customers will hardly notice this at the fast-charging stations – they can continue to charge at the same speed. For now, the cooperation only applies to the fast charging stations in Holten, Veldhoven and Rosmalen. If the trial proves successful, the possibility of extending the partnership will be considered.
Societal prioritisation begins
Our electricity grids are full for large business customers in almost our entire service area. Companies requesting additional contracted capacity must be placed on a waiting list. However, as of 1 October, businesses and institutions with a societal function are eligible for a higher position on the waiting list for transmission capacity. This is the state on which the Authority for Consumers and Markets’ (ACM) prioritisation framework came into force.
ACM has determined which sectors are eligible for priority. These applications free up capacity on the grid for other customers (so-called congestion relievers) or customers with an important societal function – such as the police, water authorities, acute health care or education. Of course, this priority is only relevant when transmission capacity becomes available again.
Learning from WaterstofWijk Wagenborgen
In the hydrogen neighbourhood pilot project, WaterstofWijk Wagenborgen, 33 houses have been heated with hydrogen since April 2024. Enexis is learning a lot from the project, particularly about engaging residents, building a sustainable hydrogen chain and achieving goals in a complex stakeholder landscape. This experience provides Enexis with a clear direction for the future and helps other projects get off the ground more quickly and effectively. Our vision is to prioritise the use of available green hydrogen in industry. Through this pilot project, we are also gaining valuable experience in hydrogen distribution to businesses.
Megabatteries in Wanneperveen
Grid operators face a significant challenge: how do we connect large batteries to an already full grid in a way that prevents congestion and actually helps alleviate it? Last year, we connected a PowerField battery installation to the grid, despite no available capacity. In fact, this 52 MWh battery system allowed PowerField to ‘give back’ grid capacity. Enexis made that available to other customers. The batteries are next to a large solar park owned by PowerField. Excess solar energy is stored in the batteries when pressure on the local grid is high. Later, when sunlight is weaker, the stored electricity can still be fed into the grid. PowerField and Enexis have agreed on when and how the battery can be used in a time-limited transmission contract.
Grid-aware home-charging pilot project
In the autumn, Enexis, Liander and charging providers ANWB, Vattenfall and Eneco eMobility launched the ‘Grid-aware home-charging’ pilot project. The aim is to encourage consumers to align their home charging with the available capacity in the local electricity grid. By optimising grid usage, we can stay within capacity limits. Consumers also benefit by adapting their charging behaviour. Through this pilot, the participating organisations are working together to understand what is needed to encourage customers to charge their cars outside peak hours in a customer-friendly way.
A garden for hands-on training
In September, Enexis opened the new Measurement Garden. This is a simulated neighbourhood at our site in Zwolle. The Measurement Garden is the initiative of a colleague and was built over eight months as a training facility for our measurement technicians. Here, they can practice troubleshooting in medium-voltage, low-voltage and public lighting networks. The Measurement Garden provides a safe and dynamic learning environment where technicians can expand their knowledge and develop their measurement skills. We can simulate all types of outages, making this the perfect place to gain hands-on experience with different measurement methods and types of outages. A unique aspect of this initiative is that employees in different roles can train here, such as mechanics, as well as new and experienced technicians.
Premiere: talent recruitment film
Our brand-new recruitment film, ‘With energy, anything is possible’, premiered in October. The film shows how we make a difference together and why Enexis is the place to be for technicians, IT professionals and other talented individuals. The film highlights Enexis’ societal role and the vital importance of energy in our customers’ lives and the economy, from keeping hospitals running to powering your child’s bedside lamp. The film also gives potential colleagues an idea of who we are as a company. It covers topics such as diversity, innovation, the freedom to experiment and making a societal impact.
Electric truck pilot project
We are running a pilot project with electric trucks (e-trucks) with our supplier Oegema Transport to better prepare for making our logistics operations more sustainable. Over the course of a year, we will gain experience with electric transport in our logistics operations. Key questions include: what is the range in relation to the weight being transported? How does a trailer loaded with full reels compare to one carrying plastic pipes? Should we factor in charging breaks along our routes? What are the costs? Reducing CO₂ emissions with electric trucks is obviously a positive step, but it must also be practical and align with increasing production and demand for materials.
Expanding into protected areas
We are rapidly expanding our grids, including near vulnerable nature reserves such as Natura 2000 sites. In Lemele (Overijssel), Enexis, the water company Vitens and BAM Energie & Water have launched a pilot project using only electrical equipment to achieve zero emissions. Vitens is replacing a drinking water pipeline, and we are upgrading several medium-voltage cables and connections. The work is taking place at the foot of the Lemelerberg, near a Natura 2000 site. As a result, we have to adhere to strict nitrogen regulations.
More investment thanks to fourth green bond
Enexis has successfully issued its fourth green bond, raising €500 million and securing the commitment of a new group of investors. The bond, which issued on 30 May 2024, has a 12-year term and a 3.50% coupon. As with our previous green bonds, we will invest the proceeds in projects that support a more sustainable energy grid. These include grid expansions for wind and solar parks, distribution automation and smart meters.