Electric solar container bottleneck problem

Is grid congestion a bottleneck to the energy transition?

The Netherlands is a striking example of a country where grid congestion has become a major bottleneck to the energy transition, challenging climate targets as well as energy security and affordability, as described in IEA’s recent Netherlands 2024: Energy Policy Review.

Are grid bottlenecks a major obstacle to the expansion of renewables?

Aurora also sees grid bottlenecks as a major obstacle to the expansion of renewables. Across Europe, no less than 57 TWh of electricity could not be fed into the grid in 2023, around 14.5% more than the previous year. This problem was greatest in Germany, Poland and the UK.

How did solar PV capacity grow in the Netherlands in 2024?

During that time, solar PV capacity grew by fivefold. This was driven by distributed rooftop installations. The map shows the grid connection capacity available for consumption (left) and feed-in (right) in the Netherlands in October 2024. Chart: IEA.

How much electricity could not be fed into the grid in 2023?

Across Europe, no less than 57 TWh of electricity could not be fed into the grid in 2023, around 14.5% more than the previous year. This problem was greatest in Germany, Poland and the UK. “Negative prices and grid constraints are significant risks for renewables in today’s market.

Can Bess be co-located with solar PV?

Co-locating BESS with solar PV or even as a standalone project could also help alleviate an increasing issue in many countries: curtailment. With renewables being added at a faster pace than the grid is being expanded or improved to allow for more capacity, solar PV and wind curtailment were on the rise last year.

How has solar PV capacity changed over the years?

According to the IEA, grid capacity has not expanded as fast as solar PV additions did between 2018 and 2023. During that time, solar PV capacity grew by fivefold. This was driven by distributed rooftop installations. The map shows the grid connection capacity available for consumption (left) and feed-in (right) in the Netherlands in October 2024.