How can flexibility be obtained on the low-voltage grid?

The energy transition poses unprecedented challenges to our low-voltage grid. The increase in heat pumps, electric vehicles and solar panels creates peaks in demand and supply. How do we keep the grid reliable, affordable and future-proof? The solution lies in flexibility.

Our energy system, and in particular our current electricity grid, is one of the most complex and vital infrastructures mankind has built. To make it future-proof, we have embarked on a large-scale renovation where the shop just has to stay open. For this, we need to design and build a smart and also reliable system. Digitalisation is key.

In this E Lunch Webinar, Bas Huijbrechts (TNO) will update us on the technological and organisational possibilities to make the low-voltage grid flexible. Think local storage, smart control, and market mechanisms. What is already technically possible, and what is still needed in terms of regulation and cooperation?

Current challenges

Future-proofing the electricity grid comes with huge challenges. How do we create a continuous balance between supply and demand? How do we ensure that the power grid grows and adapts to changing needs?

Weighting the electricity grid is too expensive, if sufficient. We are better off building smart and flexible systems such as buffers, batteries and heat and cold storage. These solutions only work well if they can exchange data and are supported by user-friendly tools that communicate with each other. At the same time, these smart solutions bring new challenges, such as additional system complexity and security risks.

Besides technology, the transition also requires solutions in the areas of policy, social support, human capital and data management; in other words, we are talking about a broad system transition.

👤 About the speaker: ir. Bas Huijbrechts (TNO)

Bas Huijbrechts is senior business developer at TNO in the field of energy systems. He has years of experience in system integration, grid balancing and sustainable energy integration.

From his role at TNO, he works at the intersection of technology, policy and market design, with a focus on smart energy solutions for neighbourhoods and urban areas.

Bas is actively involved in projects around flexible energy grids, including innovations to prevent grid congestion.

His strength lies in translating complex technical issues into applicable strategies for governments, grid operators and market players.

Programme

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Login to MS Teams

12:00 u. - 12:05 u. Welcome by KIVI Elektrotechniek

12:05 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Presentation by Bas Huijbrechts TNO

12:45 h - 13:00 h Q & A with questions from the chat

13:00 hrs. Closing and end

Digitale Energy Systemen: Slimme technologieën zorgen voor een betere afstemming tussen energieproductie en -gebruik, liefst zo lokaal mogelijk. Ze zorgen ook voor een betere benutting van de bestaande infrastructuur, geven burgers en beleidsmakers meer inzicht en houden het energiesysteem betrouwbaar en betaalbaar. Maar dat wel op voorwaarde dat die digitale oplossingen in goede harmonie samenwerken.

Q & A webinar June 18, 2025

Q & A webinar flexibility on the LS net

Watching recordings

Watch back E Lunch webinar 18-06-2025

Slides of presentation Flexibility LV net

Flexibility LV net KIVI - June 18, 2025

Electricity system in transition

Want to know more about the dynamics of the playing field?

Then download the vision piece 'A game of situational awareness' by Aliene van der Veen TNO now.

Read Aliene's vision piece (pdf)