In the past years, great progress has been made in renewable energy generation. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, this growth has resulted in periods of surplus energy production. Particularly in summer, when solar panels on roofs and in the fields are operating at full capacity. To prevent overloading the grid, which could damage transformers, solar parks are deliberately "switched off", a practice known as curtailment. This creates a paradox: panels sit idle during peak sunlight hours, while conventional generators must be fired up in the evening to meet demand. The next step in the energy transition is therefore to avoid curtailments by storing this energy surplus and using it in the evening, when it is needed the most.
It is in this context that the Dutch energy cooperative Endona is participating in the SmartCORE project - collaborating with partners to better balance the supply and demand of renewable energy in North-West Europe. More concretely, Endona explores energy flexibility strategies through storage solutions.
Looking at the best energy storage solution
Through pumped hydropower, hydrogen, thermal storage, mechanical storage or batteries, energy can be stored in many ways. For Endona, a battery is the most suitable solution, which raises the next question: how large does that battery need to be?
When it comes to battery storage, we look at two important values: power and capacity.
- Power (measured in megawatts, MW) indicates how fast a battery can charge or discharge. This can be compared to a water jet: the larger the jet, the more water can pass through it per minute.
- Capacity (measured in megawatt hours, MWh) indicates how much energy can be stored. This can be compared to the size of a water basin: the larger the content, the more water it fits.
Endona makes its choice
Endona has opted for a battery of 1 MW – 2 MWh. To put this capacity into perspective: an average household consumes about 6 kWh per day, meaning this battery could supply over 300 households per day
The battery will be located in the Energy Park Heeten. In the video below we show exactly where the battery will be placed and what the park looks like from the inside and from above.