According to Eelco Rondhuis, Head of Energy Management at PowerField, and Sjak Lomme, independent advisor in the commercial energy market, there are differences in approach between national and regional grid operators. As a result, batteries are not always developed at locations where they can deliver the greatest value. When combined with solar and wind parks on the same medium-voltage connection, batteries can reduce peak loads, temporarily store energy and feed it back into the grid more efficiently. This helps limit congestion and enables a viable business case for battery projects.
Due to current differences in tariffs and contractual arrangements, the development of batteries on the medium-voltage grid lags behind high-voltage connections. While these locations are more financially attractive, they deliver less value. Eelco Rondhuis and Sjak Lomme highlight the importance of a coordinated approach to tariffs and contracts, ensuring that batteries at strategic locations contribute fully to both the energy transition and the financial viability of projects.