On 26 September, Novar, together with its project partner Emmett Green, completed the new Avermieden grid connection. This so-called closed distribution system (CDS) enables renewable energy projects and regional businesses to connect directly to a private grid connection. As a result, the regional energy grid operated by Enexis is relieved, creating space for further sustainability efforts and economic growth in the region. Among others, Solar Park Eekerpolder, the largest solar park in the Netherlands, will be connected to Avermieden. In addition to the solar park, battery systems will also be linked to Avermieden. In the future, companies may also have the possibility to connect to Avermieden. This project demonstrates that despite grid congestion, there are innovative ways to accelerate the energy transition and foster regional economic development.
Due to the heavy strain on the electricity network, renewable energy projects, electrification, business expansion, as well as the construction and connection of new residential areas and public facilities, are increasingly facing significant delays. With the commissioning of Avermieden, an innovative step has been taken in the energy transition of Northern Netherlands. The system functions as an intelligent hub that provides space for renewable energy generation, storage, and local businesses on an already congested grid. The closed distribution system (GDS) is directly connected to TenneT’s high-voltage grid, thereby relieving the overloaded medium-voltage network of Enexis. Within the GDS, supply and demand are continuously balanced. Renewable energy is utilized as efficiently as possible: when demand is high, electricity is delivered directly to TenneT, and when demand is lower, excess energy is stored in batteries. This makes the connection to TenneT’s grid more efficient. In the future, locally generated solar power can also be supplied directly to connected businesses. By intelligently linking different technologies, generation sources, and storage systems, the GDS creates a balanced system that contributes to a more stable and future-proof energy network.
Sander Daniëls, Head of Realisation and Project Director of Avermieden: “Project Avermieden shows that there are innovative solutions to advance the energy transition. With this project, we are creating room for new renewable energy projects and for companies that want to expand and electrify. In doing so, we contribute not only to a cleaner energy supply but also to the transition and economic growth of the region.”
Solar Park Eekerpolder is being developed in three phases and will grow to a capacity of nearly 200 MWp, making it the largest solar park in the Netherlands. Covering approximately 160 hectares in the municipalities of Oldambt and Midden-Groningen, the park is being developed in part by energy cooperative Eekerpolder.
The solar park is built within an existing wind farm, making optimal use of scarce space in the Netherlands and smartly combining multiple forms of renewable generation. Phase one of the project is now being connected to Avermieden. Thanks to this connection, the generated renewable energy can be fed into the grid without further burdening the regional electricity network. This breaks through a major barrier: where many projects face delays due to grid congestion, Eekerpolder can continue. The project highlights how innovative solutions such as Avermieden create opportunities to keep the energy transition moving forward.
The success of Avermieden was made possible through the collaboration between Novar and Emmett Green, along with a wide network of specialized partners. Emmett Green acted as initiator and has been involved from the early stages through to commissioning.
Michiel Roelofs, Managing Director of Emmett Green: “It’s wonderful to see that it’s possible for private organizations to take responsibility, prevent congestion on the regional network, and feed directly into the high-voltage grid where capacity is still available. With this project, Novar and Emmett Green demonstrate that industrial sustainability is not just a cost, but an opportunity to differentiate as a company while fulfilling a social role. We are proud to contribute to this achievement.”
Together, these partners made the development, financing, and realization of the closed distribution system possible:
Novar improves the world with renewable energy. We are active in large-scale solar projects, battery technology, hydrogen production, heat storage, private distribution networks, and smart grids. At present, we are managing over 600 projects, ranging from individual assets to fully integrated green energy systems that intelligently align supply and demand. Our ultimate goal: by 2030, to realize four gigawatts of renewable energy capacity equivalent to the electricity use of one million households.
Founded in 2018, Emmett Green is an independent company dedicated to accelerating the energy transition and enabling further sustainability. With a team of around 50 specialists, we possess in-depth technical knowledge of all energy-sector assets, assist grid operators with network expansion, understand all energy markets through real-time control for clients, execute alternative transport rights such as CBC and TDTR, manage projects that solve real-world challenges, and develop professional software solutions.
For questions or comments you can reach out to our spokesperson:
Julian Uil – julian.uil@novar.nl
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