Novar has now obtained 14 permits for co-located battery storage in the Netherlands. Together, these projects represent 284 MW of power and 1,122 MWh of storage capacity. With this, Novar is taking an important next step in the development of a smarter and more flexible energy system.
The energy transition is no longer only about generating renewable energy. It is just as important to consider when that energy is available, where it is used, and how the electricity grid can be used as efficiently as possible. Battery storage plays a key role in this. And this is only the beginning. In the coming period, Novar will continue the rollout of battery storage at its solar parks.
From renewable generation to smart use of energy
Solar energy produces a large amount of renewable energy, especially around midday. With battery storage, we can make better use of that energy: not only at the moment it is generated, but also later in the day, when energy demand increases. For example in the evening, when people come home, cook, do laundry and charge electric vehicles, while renewable generation decreases.
By storing solar energy during the day and making it available later, we relieve pressure on the electricity grid during peak generation moments and use renewable energy when it is needed most. That is why Novar is working to equip all its solar parks with battery storage systems. Storage is becoming an integral part of how Novar develops new energy projects.
Jelmer Pijlman, Director and Co-founder of Novar: “The next phase of the energy transition is not only about generating more renewable energy, but above all about integrating it more intelligently. With battery storage, we can shift solar energy to the moments when the Netherlands needs that energy most. This allows us to relieve pressure on the electricity grid during peak moments and create more value from the solar energy generated.”
This milestone has been made possible thanks to the commitment of many colleagues within Novar and the constructive collaboration with municipalities, provinces, environmental agencies, grid operators and other public and private partners. Their commitment, expertise and willingness to think along about the next phase of the energy system have been of great value. We would like to express our sincere thanks for that.
Avermieden Battery: storage as part of a smart energy system
A concrete example of this approach is Avermieden Battery (22,5 MW/91 MWh). This project is part of the closed distribution system (CDS) to which, among others, Eekerpolder Solar Park (195MW) is connected, the largest solar park in the Netherlands.
With CDS Avermieden, Novar has demonstrated how large-scale renewable generation can be integrated into the grid in a grid-conscious way. By developing its own energy system in which multiple renewable energy assets are intelligently connected, more room is created to transport and use renewable electricity.
The addition of battery storage is a logical next step. Energy that is generated during the day but is not immediately needed can be stored temporarily. Later, for example in the evening, this energy can still be used. This increases the value of solar energy and relieves pressure on the grid during busy moments. In doing so, we make the most efficient possible use of the connection to TenneT’s high-voltage grid.
Avermieden Battery shows where Novar is heading: developing renewable generation, smart grid infrastructure and storage not as separate elements, but as one integrated energy system.
Building on CDSs, green hydrogen and charging hubs
In recent years, Novar has distinguished itself by enabling large-scale solar energy in a grid-conscious way. The development of CDSs has played an important role in this. With closed distribution systems, multiple projects can be connected intelligently and available grid capacity can be used more effectively.
This system-based approach is now being expanded further. Battery storage is an important building block in this, but not the only one. Novar is also looking at forms of direct use, where renewable electricity is deployed as much as possible where it adds value.
One example is green hydrogen production, such as at H2Hollandia. By using renewable electricity directly for the production of green hydrogen, additional flexibility is created in the energy system. Electricity is then not only fed back into the grid, but also converted into a renewable energy carrier for applications where electrification is not always straightforward.
Novar is also developing charging hubs for the transport sector. This connects renewable electricity to a rapidly growing demand: charging electric trucks and other heavy transport. Here too, the direct use of renewable energy helps reduce pressure on the grid and makes decarbonisation tangible.
Grid-conscious development as the common thread
The 14 obtained battery permits show that Novar is actively shaping the next phase of the energy transition. The common thread remains the same: developing renewable energy in a way that fits the reality of the electricity system.
That means looking not only at production, but also at storage, flexibility, direct offtake and smart infrastructure. By combining these elements, energy projects emerge that are better aligned with the demand of tomorrow.
With 284 MW of permitted battery power and 1,122 MWh of storage capacity, Novar is taking a clear step forward. And this is only the beginning. Much more is coming this year. More on that later.
