Energy storage gets a place in the energy performance of buildings

In response to parliamentary questions, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth shared her vision on the role of smart heat batteries within the energy transition. The cabinet acknowledges the potential of local energy storage to combat grid congestion, but continues to adhere to a policy line in which innovation is mainly supported through existing regulations. The minister does indicate that the use of storage will be valued in the energy performance of buildings.

Smart heat batteries: known, but not yet structurally valued

The government indicates that it is familiar with the smart heat batteries and sees that this technology contributes to the relief of the electricity grid, especially if the storage is used locally and strategically. However, storage is currently not explicitly valued within the energy performance requirements (BENG), because temporary storage does not structurally reduce building-related energy consumption.

The new European Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) will require member states to include storage in the energy performance calculation from May 2026. Discussions on this are ongoing, and both thermal and electrical storage will be included in the revision of the NTA8800 – Determination method for the energy performance of buildings. Energy Storage NL, led by FME, has successfully implemented the inclusion of thermal storage in this method. Storage must be included in the calculation method by May 2026 at the latest. This will make it more attractive for homeowners to invest in storage, and they will be rewarded with improved building energy performance and possibly a better energy label.

Subsidy policy: no ISDE revision, but focus on innovation programs

According to the minister, there are already subsidy schemes that support energy storage, but these are not always suitable for consumers or small-scale applications. The ISDE is aimed at insulation, heat pumps and solar boilers; the EIA does offer opportunities for entrepreneurs to implement storage technologies in a fiscally attractive way.

The Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation (DEI+) and Mission-driven Research, Development and Innovation (MOOI) schemes are seen by the government as key schemes. Newton Energy Solutions has already successfully used the MOOI scheme twice.

However, the government currently sees no reason to make broad adjustments to the existing ISDE, EIA or BOSA schemes to stimulate energy storage more actively. However, the National Technology Strategy (NTS) does offer a possible perspective: it includes “Energy Materials”, including heat storage, as a priority. The Minister of Economic Affairs is currently working on recalibrating the innovation instruments, with an update planned for the third quarter of 2025.

Concerns about grid congestion acknowledged

The minister further emphasizes that without sufficient storage, the energy transition can be inefficient. That is why the government is focusing on both innovation and the rollout of energy storage technology. Energy storage is seen as essential for flexibility in the future energy system. The Flex-e scheme is being used, among other things, to look at market introduction of storage for congestion problems.

According to the minister, heat batteries can indeed contribute to reducing grid congestion, provided they have sufficient capacity and store energy at the right times.

Conclusion: cautious appreciation, but lack of pace?

Although the government recognizes the importance of energy storage and innovative companies, structural policy support for local storage systems remains limited. Innovative entrepreneurs are primarily referred to existing subsidy instruments and generic incentive frameworks. Energy Storage NL continues to work for a fair valuation and support for energy storage, but also a fair valuation between the energy carriers - Electricity and heat.

By focusing on different forms of storage, the energy transition can be accelerated and grid congestion can be tackled. The potential of storage will depend on how quickly policy and regulations can respond to technological progress and market demand. Further stimulation of energy storage in the elaboration of the Spring Memorandum will be crucial to unlock this potential.