May 19, 2025 · 4 min read
Flexibility is the key to a future-proof energy system
Last week the Dutch Network Management organization and the regional grid operators released the 2025 Scenario Report. This report provides an independent foundation for planning the infrastructure of the future. One message stands out clearly: without greater flexibility, the Dutch energy system risks becoming unbalanced.
A surge in energy demand, a lagging supply
The Netherlands is at the heart of the European energy transition. But our national grid is under pressure. Due to strong economic growth, more datacenters, and an electrifying industrial sector, energy demand is expected to grow much faster than supply.
Between 2030 and 2050, the Netherlands will need an additional 126 to 264 gigawatts of energy capacity. That means we’ll need to expand our energy grid up to five times faster than we currently do. But infrastructure alone won’t be enough. We must also make smarter use of what we already have.
The energy infrastructure is the backbone of the Dutch economy. In the coming years, the demand for energy will grow faster than the supply. We must act fast to keep the system in balance.
Why flexibility is so relevant
The scenario report identifies three core areas of action:
- A clear long-term policy vision.
- A rapid rollout of sustainable molecules like hydrogen and green gas.
- Full focus on flexibility - matching supply and demand in smarter ways.
That third point requires more than just installing batteries. It means designing a grid and an operation that can absorb change, redirect flows, and shift loads based on real-time insights.
The role of operational teams
Operational teams at grid operators, energy companies, and decentralized energy providers hold the key to making this transition happen. After all, flexibility requires:
- Real-time insight into grid load, production, and system status
- The ability to rapidly respond to peaks and dips in demand
- Collaboration across organizations to enable flexibility beyond individual network boundaries
Without these foundations in place, flexibility remains little more than a theoretical ideal.
What needs to be in place?
All scenarios in the report make one thing clear: without a strong commitment to flexibility, there will inevitably be moments when the energy system becomes unbalanced. Flexibility in the energy system goes far beyond just batteries. It relies on a smart mix of solutions:
- Automatically adjusting devices and processes based on grid load (demand-side response).
- Storing energy for longer periods using technologies like large-scale batteries or compressed air.
- Converting excess electricity into other forms, such as hydrogen or heat.
- Increasing electricity exchange with neighboring countries.
- Using local installations to turn energy surpluses into heat or gas.
Without a strong commitment to these flexibility options, the system will inevitably face moments of imbalance.
How to get there
Technical and operational teams play a central role in enabling flexibility. They’re the ones managing assets, interpreting data, triggering actions, and keeping operations running. But in many cases, data is fragmented, decisions are delayed, and insights are not easily shared across teams.
To fix this, operational systems must be set up for flexibility:
- Clear data structures and monitoring.
- Centralized access to asset and network data.
- Integrated workflows between field, engineering, and planning teams.
Smart triggers, alerts, and predictions that enable just-in-time decision-making.
Conclusion
Flexibility isn’t something that can be bolted on at the end. It starts with how energy operations are designed today. As the report makes clear, flexibility is essential for resilience, efficiency, and growth.
Blockbax is here to help. We support grid operators, energy companies, and heat networks by setting up the operational foundations that make real flexibility possible.
Want to learn how your organization can benefit from operational flexibility? Get in touch - we’re happy to discuss.
Sources
https://www.netbeheernederland.nl/artikelen/nieuws/netbeheer-nederland-scenarios-editie-2025
