Collaborative Efforts of Electric Transport Providers to Optimize Power Grid Efficiency

NETHERLANDS: Public transport operators have come together to sign a new agreement aimed at easing the strain on the national power grid. This initiative is crucial as these operators rely heavily on electricity for their expanding electric services, while also possessing infrastructure that can help optimize energy use.

This agreement is part of a broader effort to tackle grid congestion, which has resulted in delays for high-demand users seeking connections.

Hans-Peter Oskam,head of Netbeheer Nederland,emphasized that this collaboration benefits both public transport and the electrical systems. He noted it would considerably enhance service availability for daily commuters while maximizing grid capacity since public transport providers can contribute power during certain times.

The GVB in Amsterdam plans to install technology at four metro stations to capture braking energy for reuse. They’re set to launch a pilot project next year where electric buses will be charged using this regenerated energy from metro trains. Additionally, GVB is teaming up with universities in Amsterdam and The Hague to explore integrating solar panels and EV charging stations into the metro’s traction network.

This year, Rotterdam’s RET has been supplying surplus electricity from its tram services during off-peak hours to local authorities and environmental groups like Zuid-Hollands Landschap. This initiative allows municipalities to establish new EV charging points without needing additional power sources by utilizing RET’s excess electricity.

A biodiesel generator will be installed near railway lines by ProRail in partnership with Utrecht municipality and Stedin, aiming to alleviate existing power grid bottlenecks—a strategy that could potentially be replicated elsewhere.

The bus sector is also getting involved; operators are negotiating contracts allowing them to charge their electric buses overnight when demand on the grid is lower.

The government plans to allocate €3.2 million over four years towards these various projects while promoting knowledge sharing and addressing legal hurdles that may hinder optimal use of available energy resources.

“Large consumers can play a pivotal role in balancing peak loads on our power grids,” explained Sophie Hermans, Minister for climate & Green Growth. “This not onyl serves their interests but also those of countless individuals and businesses eager for reliable power connections.”

“The Dutch public transport sector showcases remarkable innovation,” added chris Jansen, Minister for Environment & Public Transport. He highlighted how essential it is for the electrical network’s capacity expansion if we want more trains, trams, and electric buses running smoothly.”

• The agreement was signed by various stakeholders including: Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management; Ministry of Climate & Green Growth; DOVA (transport authority); EBS (bus operator); municipalities such as Arnhem and utrecht; GVB (Amsterdam); HTM (Den Haag); Keolis; Rotterdam-Den Haag Metropolitan Area; Netbeheer Nederland; NS (train operator); ProRail; Province of Utrecht; Qbuzz; RET (Rotterdam), along with representatives from the Amsterdam Transport Region.