Statkraft, Scholt Energy, and Enexis sign a CBC for the Wilbertoord Solar Park

Renewable energy producer Statkraft, business energy supplier Scholt Energy and Enexis Netbeheer have entered into a so-called capacity control contract (CBC) for solar farm Wilbertoord in the Land van Cuijk. Statkraft and Scholt Energy offer the full capacity of the solar farm (almost 6 MW) as flexible capacity. The contract is effective April 1, 2024 and directly contributes to easing the pressure on the electricity grid.

Due to the explosive growth in the number of solar panels in Enexis' service area, the regional grid operator is running up against the maximum capacity limits of the electricity grid. As a result, there is no room in Enexis' area to connect additional, large-scale solar installations. The electricity grid is full (grid congestion). The main solution is to expand the electricity grid, which takes a very long time. Meanwhile, there are also ways to make better use of the current grid, which can relieve pressure on the grid.

A CBC is a form of congestion management that uses the power grid more efficiently. At peak times in electricity supply and demand, customers are asked not to purchase or feed in electricity. Enexis pays a pre-contracted fee for this form of "rush hour avoidance."

Cooperation Statkraft, Scholt Energy and Enexis
Both Statkraft and Scholt Energy have a role in this entire process. Statkraft, as owner and in cooperation with the surrounding area and municipality, has developed and realized solar park Wilbertoord. Scholt Energy acts in the CBC as Congestion Service Provider (CSP). This means that Scholt Energy allows the solar farm to produce less at the request of the regional grid operator. Enexis notifies them at least one day in advance. This allows Scholt Energy to turn off or disconnect the solar installation and relieve the pressure on the power grid. This can also save potential costs for Statkraft.

Joining forces
"Theincreasing grid congestion threatens to delay the Netherlands' energy transition from oil and gas to more sustainable energy sources. We must do everything we can to prevent that from happening. We are therefore pleased to contribute with this solution," explained Niels van der Linden, Country Manager at Statkraft Netherlands.

"This cooperation is a nice milestone for Scholt Energy with which we, as Congestion Service Provider, implement this capacity reduction contract between the grid operator and renewable energy producer. We support Enexis in congestion management on the electricity grid by temporarily reducing or even stopping production at Wilbertoord solar farm. Together we contribute to the progress of the energy transition in the Netherlands and realization of as many renewable energy sources as possible," said Michiel van der Steen, Senior Energy Transition Specialist at Scholt Energy.

"It is very nice news that we have once again secured a flexible contract," said Karin Mathijssen, Director of Large Business at Enexis Netbeheer. "In the spring and summer, our grids are under pressure because of the large amount of solar energy. That period is approaching again, so we are very pleased that Statkraft and Scholt Energy are helping us with better utilization of the electricity grid with immediate effect.In this way we are working together to create a sustainable, efficient and reliable energy system."