Grid operator TenneT plans to deploy gas-fired generators and battery storage systems in Almere starting in 2029 to alleviate severe electricity grid congestion in Flevoland.
Infrastructure Deployment at the Vattenfall Heating Plant
The project will be situated at Vattenfall’s existing facility at Markerkant in Almere, a location selected because it already possesses the necessary high-voltage and gas connections. According to the Provincie Flevoland, this pre-existing infrastructure allows for a faster implementation timeline. The system will feature a battery capable of supplying power for four hours; if demand exceeds that capacity, a gas-powered turbine running on green fuel will engage to generate electricity.
Flevoland Power Grid Reaches Maximum Capacity
The Flevoland power grid is currently at maximum capacity, with the most significant bottlenecks occurring in the eastern and southern parts of the province. As of this summer, households no longer receive automatic priority for new connections, and businesses must wait until at least 2029 for new or expanded access.
While the Almere project addresses local demand, it is part of a broader strategy for the FGU-region, which includes the provinces of Utrecht and Gelderland. The Provincie Flevoland stated that these regions are electrically interconnected, meaning congestion in one area impacts the others. To manage these pressures, grid operators are also working to physically separate the eastern and southern Flevoland grids from those in Utrecht and Gelderland.
Northern Flevoland Faces Different Grid Timelines
Not all of Flevoland faces the same grid challenges. Northern Flevoland, including Urk and the Noordoostpolder, is connected to the grids of Friesland and Overijssel rather than the congested central network. Infrastructure issues in those northern areas are currently projected to be resolved by 2031.
For the Almere project, the three-year wait—from the current planning phase to the projected 2029 operational date—is primarily due to global supply chain delays for batteries and generation equipment, according to Vattenfall.
Almere Uses Existing Infrastructure for Temporary Gas Generators
Why is the city of Almere being prioritized for this solution?
The provincial government and the municipality of Almere initiated the project because the Vattenfall site already provides the necessary high-voltage and gas infrastructure. This existing setup allows for a more rapid deployment compared to building a new facility from scratch.
Will these gas generators be a permanent fixture in the region?
No, the current plan is to maintain the installation until 2033. This timeframe aligns with the expected completion of broader structural expansions to the regional electricity grid, which should eventually restore sufficient capacity to the area.
How does the grid operator manage power usage in the meantime?
TenneT and other grid operators are actively encouraging households and businesses to spread their electricity consumption to avoid peak hours. Participants who adjust their usage patterns in response to these requests may receive financial compensation.
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