Becoming green together

Abstract

To reach the Dutch renewable energy (RE) targets of 2030, the entire Netherlands has been investing in solar energy, electric vehicles and other systems based on RE. This increase of electricity use does not come without problems and the most pressing one is that of network congestion. Due to this, businesses are no longer able to expand their electricity connection or even start their business to begin with. This has the effect that businesses cannot continue their sustainable efforts and in the worst cases it causes power to go out and stopping businesses from operating completely. A proposed solution to this problem is the introduction of a community energy system (CES). This concept and how it can be used in practice will be explored in this research in the context of an industrial park and with the support of business energy cooperative, SAENZ. They have already developed an industrial community energy system (InCES) in the form of a collective energy contract, and there is an opportunity in increasing the participation of their members. Through interviews and surveys, business owners are asked about three InCES scenarios and their more general opinion on InCES. To obtain a comprehensive view of the situation, two other stakeholders in this system are interviewed as well. These are the distribution systems operator (DSO) and the local government. The results show that business owners are willing to increase their participation in an InCES but give clear terms for doing so. They need transparent and complete information about the project and all its financial and juridical aspects. Besides, it should be easy to participate. The DSO highlighted that they support businesses organizing themselves like this and comments on how an InCES could help solve network congestion as it ensures efficient management of the energy system. The local government representative believes that they have little influence on the development of an InCES but that they do have an impact in motivating businesses to participate in an InCES. The research also shows the importance of an energy cooperative or any kind of group collaboration between businesses to organize an InCES. It is helpful in obtaining contact with stakeholders but also enhanced the group feeling between business owners and in turn their willingness to increase participation in an InCES.