Digital solutions help combat grid congestion, high costs and vulnerabilities and thus support the energy transition, say TNO and the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. They are therefore presenting the 'Digitalisation of the Energy System Action Agenda', drawn up with parties from the energy and ICT sector. This plan is to be implemented from next year under the leadership of Top Sector Energy.
The parties already came up with the National Energy System Plan (NPE) in 2023, which defined the public interests of digitalisation for the energy system. The action agenda now presented follows this earlier plan. The agenda should strengthen and accelerate existing digital projects. At the same time, the plan should help address current issues and attract new parties that can help in this regard. Improving understanding of the current network situation and energy flows is also an important part of the agenda.
Smarter, more flexible and fairer
"Digitalisation is not an end in itself, but a powerful driver for innovation and cooperation in the energy transition. With this action agenda, we are taking a first step towards an ecosystem where knowledge, data and people come together to make the energy system smarter, more flexible and fairer," explains Michel Emde, Principal Business Consultant Digitalisation Energy Systems at TNO.
The action agenda highlights digitalisation from various angles. For instance, it aims to improve understanding of the energy system through the deployment of sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and a digital twin of the electricity system, among others. Part of the action agenda also includes mobilising flexibility among end users, such as households and businesses. For instance, smart devices and energy apps should help users understand their own consumption so that they can adjust their energy use according to the current situation on the grid. The method should prevent peaks in energy consumption and help keep the grid in balance.
In addition, according to the action agenda, digitalisation is needed to better plan the energy system and speed up the construction of new infrastructure. Including through applications that support mechanics in the field, such as virtual reality.
Five themes
Five themes are central to the Digitalisation Energy System Action Agenda:
- Understanding the electricity system
- Making better use of network capacity
- Well-equipped participants
- Integrated and resilient electricity system
- Electricity system planning, construction and monitoring
Niels Redeker, Director Energy System Strategy, Ministry of Climate and Green Growth: "With this action agenda, we are not only focusing on technology, but mainly on an energy system that remains affordable, reliable and sustainable for everyone. Digitalisation is crucial to accelerate the energy transition and make the Netherlands future-proof."
Flexibility and cooperation
The action agenda was drawn up by TNO and the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth in cooperation with a range of partners from the energy and ICT sector. The resulting actions will be further developed and launched in consultation with these partners. In doing so, the parties intend to adopt a programme-based approach that encourages flexibility and cooperation.
"The action agenda provides direction but is not a blueprint. New developments, technologies and challenges will emerge in the coming years. That is why this agenda is flexible and inviting: for everyone who wants to contribute to a sustainable, affordable and reliable energy system. By embedding digitisation in policy and expanding the network of collaborations, this agenda grows along with practice", writes Irene Jansen, chair of the Steering Committee Action Agenda for Digitisation of the Energy System, in the foreword to the agenda.
Claire Groosman, Programme Director Digitalisation, Top Sector Energy: "The energy transition and digitalisation are inextricably linked: only together will they take us to a reliable and future-proof energy system. That is why in 2026 we are bundling existing initiatives, strengthening what is already working and accelerating implementation. I call on market parties to join. With your knowledge and expertise, we can really make the step from plans to impact happen."
