Infrastructure

Energy infrastructure is crucial for reliable supply of affordable energy to households, businesses, and industries. It ensures efficient energy generation, transportation, and distribution to the end users. Within energy infrastructure, there is a distinction between infrastructure for grids and networks and infrastructure for energy production, storage, and conversion of energy. The infrastructure for grids and networks consists of different components, including high-voltage lines, cables, substations, transformer stations and control systems. Grid and network development and management is the responsibility of the grid and network operators. In contrast, storage, conversion and production are provided by market participants.

However, the design and operation of energy infrastructure can also have significant environmental and social impacts, particularly because of greenhouse gas emissions and land use.

The development of energy infrastructure has undergone major changes over the last few years. This included the expansion of district heating, the proposed construction of a national hydrogen network, or the much-needed reinforcement of the electricity grid. These changes were driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security and support the transition to renewable energy sources. Energie-Nederland is at the forefront of these developments, ensuring that the necessary changes are made in such a way that the pace of the energy transition is not slowed down. These changes also led to an increased focus on decentralization, electrification and digitization of energy systems. The same is true for the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy.

Energie-Nederland believes that investments are essential to support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. This requires intensive collaboration between governments, businesses and communities. It also requires innovative technologies and financing mechanisms. Only then can an energy infrastructure be designed and operated in a way that balances economic, social, and ecological considerations.