The Gelderland business community gets strong support with the launch of the handbook "First aid for grid congestion". An initiative that not only improves entrepreneurs' energy management, but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The Gelderland deputies Ans Mol and Helga Witjes, together with our chairman Marcel Hielkema and one of our members, entrepreneur Jan Ros, received this handout. Developed by Gelderland province and the Gelderland Energy Agreement (GEA) in close cooperation with VNO-NCW Midden, MKB Nederland, PVB Nederland and some 40 experts, this document offers concrete ideas and measures for entrepreneurs to, among other things, reduce the impact of electricity transmission scarcity for their business. Our chairman Marcel Hielkema emphasises the importance of this cooperation:"This initiative offers entrepreneurs prospects for further growth and sustainability of their businesses. We are delighted to contribute to this and show what is possible in constructive cooperation. Something we have been advocating for much longer."
Congestion on the electricity grid is creating major challenges. Especially for entrepreneurs. And because grid reinforcement is still years away, it is important for them to know what they can do themselves in the meantime. That is why a group of experts, together with a number of Gelderland organisations, made a practical guide for entrepreneurs full of tips on what you can do yourself. On 13 May, the Gelderland deputies Ans Mol (climate and energy) and Helga Witjes (economy), together with VNO-NCW Midden chairman Marcel Hielkema and Gelderland entrepreneur Jan Ros, accepted the guide. With this guide, entrepreneurs themselves can reduce the impact of electricity transmission shortages for their business. The guide offers ideas and measures on how they can still (largely) manage their energy management. As a company, you can take your own measures, but sometimes cooperation with other companies yields even more. Individually, you can for instance generate more energy yourself, purchase an energy management system, use residual heat or temporarily store energy in a battery. In a collaboration, you can think of a joint connection, a joint energy system or direct connection to a solar or wind farm. Commissioner Ans Mol and Helga Witjes welcome the handbook:"With this handbook, we show in Gelderland what can be done. Because in this, we understand the concerns of the Gelderland business community. We are working and building the energy system of the future but at the same time we have to find the (energy) solutions to today's problems."
40 experts
The reason for this initiative is the message from grid managers Tennet and Liander that the electricity grid is locked for the time being. As a result, entrepreneurs feel inhibited in growing, developing and making their businesses more sustainable. To find the way forward, solutions they can control will help. This toolkit outlines measures 'behind the meter'. The helpline was developed on the initiative of the province of Gelderland and the Gelderland Energy Agreement (GEA) in cooperation with VNO-NCW Midden, MKB Nederland, PVB Nederland and about 40 experts.
La Coquerie
Meal maker La Coquerie in Arnhem took the initiative earlier. The company came up with its own innovative solutions. With annual growth of 30%, waiting was not an option. The roof was fitted with solar panels, a solar carport and large batteries appeared. The company also installed an energy management system to regulate peaks. La Coquerie's inspiring example and handbook make it easier for other entrepreneurs. Jan Ros:"If I had had this handout earlier, I would have paid less learning fees. I am therefore sure that other entrepreneurs will benefit greatly from it."
And now?
If you’re an entrepreneur keen to get started on this, please read the report that has been drawn up:
Download the guide ‘First aid for grid congestion’ here
You can also contact the Regional Energy Expertise Team (REE) in our region . The REE assists with your business energy challenges and helps companies and organisations find sustainable solutions and energy-saving measures.
This article also appeared on the VNO-NCW Midden website .
