The Netherlands could save two billion euros annually with large batteries.

The societal impact of batteries on the security of supply
Earlier this year, the national grid operator TenneT warned that, without adequate energy storage, Dutch citizens could experience frequent power outages. Ecorys states in a previous study commissioned by the ACM what value the prevention of supply interruptions can have. Large-scale battery systems can minimize these interruptions and thereby add significant societal value.

Commissioned by six prominent battery entrepreneurs, all members of Energy Storage Netherlands (ESNL), the industry organization for the Dutch energy storage sector, Ecorys conducted this follow-up study. The task was to investigate how much societal value batteries would add to the electricity system. Ecorys concludes that the societal value alone could amount to up to 2 billion euros annually. They write: “Disruption in the supply of electricity results in loss of prosperity. Companies may produce less and their equipment may suffer damage, while households may have to adjust their consumption behavior. Large-scale battery systems connected to the electricity grid can provide electricity during times of scarcity and thus create societal value by increasing security of supply.”

“This report demonstrates for the first time the significant societal value of batteries. Let us – as in neighboring countries – make an exception for batteries in transport tariffs, making the realization of batteries in the Netherlands financially feasible and no longer endangering our national security of supply,” says Jeroen Neefs of ESNL.

“This value is in addition to the contributions batteries make to society in the form of lower and more stable energy prices, but also because, for example, more energy from sun and wind can be unlocked in the future, reducing Dutch CO2 emissions or because grid operators will pay lower procurement costs to keep the grid balanced,” says Jeroen Althoff (on behalf of the six battery developers).

Facts deserving additional attention

TenneT indicates that the Netherlands will need 9 gigawatts of batteries by 2030 for the security of supply.

By the end of 2023, “only” 150 megawatts will be operational.

Current transport tariffs make large battery projects financially unfeasible.

High Dutch rates lead to an uneven playing field with neighboring countries, causing investors to prefer investing abroad.

About Ecorys
Ecorys is an independent international research and consultancy firm with Dutch roots, founded in 1929. Over the years, the company has specialized in economic, social, and spatial development issues. Ecorys works on challenging projects for both public and private sector clients.

About the initiators of this research
This research was commissioned by the six largest independent battery developers in the Netherlands (Lion Storage, GIGA Storage, NOVAR, Semper Power, Dispatch Grid Services, and LC Energy), all members of ESNL (Energy Storage Netherlands). ESNL is the industry organization of the Dutch energy storage sector. Together with technology companies, knowledge institutions, grid operators, and financiers, ESNL works towards a stable, independent, and sustainable energy supply. Energy Storage NL is, therefore, the advocate, networker, and knowledge center for the Dutch energy storage sector.