Optimizing Grid Flexibility
An Agent-Based Analysis of Alternative Transport Rights for Large Energy Consumers in the Dutch Electricity Grid
J.P. Zwaan (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
A. Correljé – Mentor (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)
Ozge Okur – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - System Engineering)
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Abstract
The accelerating integration of renewable energy sources in the Netherlands has led to increasing congestion in the electricity grid, posing a significant challenge to system reliability and the energy transition. In response, the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) introduced Alternative Transport Rights (ATR), including Time-Duration-Based (TDTR) and Time-Block-Based Transport Rights (TBTR), which offer conditional grid access and financial incentives for large energy consumers (LECs) to shift demand to off-peak periods. Despite their potential, limited practical guidance exists for LECs on how to operationalize flexibility under these new regulatory instruments.
This thesis explores how LECs can leverage data and technology to comply with ATR and evaluates the system-level impacts of ATR adoption using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews and literature review informed the development of sector-specific scenarios, which were tested in an agent-based model built on the ASSUME framework. The simulation results show that TDTR significantly reduces peak loads at the national level, improving grid stability but leading to moderate price increases due to reliance on fossil generation in off-peak periods. TBTR effectively redistributes demand at the regional level but may create secondary peaks under full adoption due to rigid scheduling.
Findings emphasize the critical role of enterprise data management, automation, and organizational adaptation in enabling ATR compliance. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for LECs, grid operators, and policymakers to enhance implementation, align tariff structures with flexibility goals, and support a broader transition to a more resilient and dynamic electricity system.