RET Supplies Excess Energy to Alleviate Grid Strain

To alleviate the pressure on the overloaded power grid, the transportation company RET is now supplying electricity from its own network to other parties. RET operates a network in the Rotterdam area that powers metros, transporting 90,000 megawatt-hours annually.

However, during off-peak hours and at night, the vehicles use little electricity. During these times, other parties can use the network.

RET Director Linda Boot likens it to an extension cord, where unused outlets can be utilized by other devices. The idea was proposed a few years ago by RET employee Leo Vliegenthart.

Last summer, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) approved the initiative to share the grid with other parties. Before sharing could begin, the system required modifications.

The grid runs on 700 volts, unsuitable for typical charging capacities, so RET installed converters to adjust the voltage. Two clients, the Municipality of Rotterdam and Zuid-Hollands Landschap, are already using the network for electric vehicles.

Rotterdam plans to use the electricity for two new charging stations. The Netherlands has been facing an overloaded electricity grid, unable to meet the growing demand and manage the return of electricity from sources like wind and solar farms.

This leaves new businesses and households waiting for a connection, with some in North Holland potentially waiting up to ten years. Boot suggests this could be a solution for other cities with similar networks, acknowledging it’s not a complete solution but certainly beneficial.

Source: NOS

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