NO STONE UNTURNED: NO SPACE LEFT ON THE GRID? WHY SELF-SUFFICIENT REAL ESTATE IS THE FUTURE

Pressure on the Dutch electricity grid is mounting rapidly. In many parts of the country, new connections are no longer possible. Yet this challenge also brings opportunities. In the latest episode of the podcast No Stone Unturned, Kees Noorman (Director of business association ORAM) and Sanne Castro (Advisory Manager at Joulz) discuss smart solutions such as energy hubs, business collaboration, and the importance of self-sufficient real estate.

The reality: the grid is full

“We’re simply full,” says Kees Noorman. “And this has direct consequences for the business climate. Companies sometimes quite literally cannot connect anymore.” Sanne also observes how this development has transformed her sector. “Whereas we used to arrange just a connection, we now advise on usage patterns, storage, and back-up systems. We have to understand when and why energy is needed.”

Tapping into hidden capacity

Still, more is often possible than one might think. Kees explains: “We’ve found there’s hidden capacity in the grid, especially because companies don’t coordinate their peak usage. By working together, that capacity can be utilised more efficiently.” Sanne adds: “With smart metering and energy systems, you may discover that you only need extra capacity for a few hours a day or a few days a year. You can then develop targeted solutions for that.”

Energy hubs as a structural solution

One solution gaining popularity is the energy hub: multiple companies jointly generating, storing, and distributing energy. Sanne cites the example of Schiphol Trade Park, where buildings share batteries and solar panels. “Instead of ten separate systems, we use a collective approach. It’s more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable, even for the grid operator.”

Investing in self-sufficiency: smart and necessary

For property owners and investors, the question is: is investing in your own energy worthwhile? “Absolutely,” says Sanne. “You reduce your dependence on the grid, become more attractive to tenants, and improve your sustainability score.” Kees is clear: “Don’t expect the government to solve this quickly. If you want to deliver, you’ll need to take charge yourself.”

Outdated regulations need reform,

A key obstacle: current legislation is not designed for collective energy systems. “The structure is based on one contract per connection,” Kees explains. “But in practice, companies want to invest in systems together. That requires new laws and regulations, and that takes time.”

The lesson: start small, think big

What can real estate professionals do today? Start with your neighbours, say both experts. “You don’t have to build an energy hub with twenty parties straight away,” says Castro. “Two companies working together already make a hub. Once you show it works, others will naturally join.”

🎧 Listen to the full episode of No Stone Unturned on your favourite podcast platform, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts.