Which (policy) instruments are needed to mobilise demand-side flexibility for the benefit of the Dutch electricity grid? This question is central to a study that Common Futures conducts together with KWA Bedrijfsadviseurs and EVConsult for the Dutch national government (TSE System Integration and RVO). The study was initiated at the request of the National Action Programme on Grid Congestion (LAN), and the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth is also closely involved. The focus is on the potential flexibility of electricity demand in larger office buildings, data centres, the chemical industry, and logistics companies with their own electric fleets and charging infrastructure. We expect the results in Q1 2026.
Why this study?
With the rapid increase in grid congestion, the need to use existing grid capacity more intelligently is growing. There is already substantial knowledge about technical flexibility options, but in practice, participation in congestion management often lags. What is still missing is a clear understanding of what flexibility actually costs for companies (both in terms of investment and operations), and which incentives are sufficient to bring that flexibility to market in a meaningful way. In this project, we identify and analyse that missing link.
The analysis
We look at flexibility that can be delivered by using existing processes and installations more intelligently or differently, rather than primarily through new technological investments. For each (sub-)sector, we examine:
- Which processes or assets can be ramped up or down, how much flexibility this realistically provides, and when and for how long.
- Which conditions and barriers are associated with this (such as logistics, staffing, comfort, production losses, or regulation).
- Which incentives, financial as well as non-financial, are needed to unlock this flexibility on a structural basisx
Together with sector associations and entrepreneurs, we gather insights through interviews, sector surveys, and workshops. This enables us to build a realistic picture for each sector of both the flexibility potential and the incentives required to realise it.
