Working visit: The smart beach network and the role of storage

On September 4, Energy Storage NL, together with Skoon and Stedin, organized a working visit for 25 officials from the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) to the smart beach network in Scheveningen.

The program offered a broad perspective on the role of flexibility and mobile storage in the energy system. Stedin gave two presentations: the first focused on the smart beach grid in Scheveningen, an autonomous low-voltage grid that locally regulates the balance between generation, consumption, and flexibility within agreed-upon frameworks with the grid operator. The second presentation addressed flex tenders: controllable capacity that Stedin deploys at strategic locations in the grid when flexibility from existing assets proves insufficient. A current example was given from Walcheren, where capacity shortages occur during peak tourist seasons. Last Christmas and Easter, emergency power generators were deployed there to prevent power outages. However, this solution is expensive, noisy, and results in CO₂ and nitrogen emissions. Stedin will now issue a technology-neutral flex tender, expecting mobile battery solutions in particular to be suitable as a cleaner and more flexible alternative to emergency power generators.

Position paper mobile storage

Skoon then highlighted the opportunities for mobile battery storage as a flexible solution for grid congestion. Mobile storage offers convenience, is quiet and safe, and can handle seasonal peaks. At the same time, it became clear that the mobile storage market is still in its infancy. Subsidies for rental structures, clear guidelines for congestion management, and streamlined permitting procedures are essential for wider adoption. These recommendations are also included in the mobile storage position paper , which was presented to officials during the working visit.

In addition to the presentations, there was ample opportunity for discussion between policymakers, grid operators, and market participants. Discussions focused on the impact of grid congestion on businesses and civil society organizations, the role of mobile storage in both new and existing buildings, the important role subsidies play in this market, and the use and practical challenges of flex tenders.

The working visit concluded at the Ampowr battery in Scheveningen, where two mobile batteries from Skoon were previously located. The smart beach grid, combined with a stationary battery, now ensures that five beach pavilions in the area can continue to operate despite existing grid congestion – a tangible example of the power of energy storage.