Beach battery powers Dutch coast smart grid project

A project is being run between the municipality of Hague and Dutch grid operator Stedin to develop a battery-powered smart beach electric grid to power the coast of Scheveningen.

The project involves an autonomous electricity grid that can self-regulate; a complete low-voltage network on a small scale, equipped with solar panels, heat pumps and charging stations.

The project will power various beach pavilions, a beach volleyball stadium and other major event venues.

Through the deployment of a big beach battery, according to the Hague municipality in a blog post, the benefits of solar energy will be harnessed even when the sun isn’t shining.

The new beach battery has a capacity of 360kWh and can power a beach pavilion for two days. The battery is constructed from recycled batteries sourced from EVs.

The battery solution was implemented by Dutch energy solutions provider Skoon Energy and is a refurbished mobile battery from their partner Accu’t.

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Based on technology from Utrecht-based energy storage startup Eddy Grid, during sunny afternoons when there is surplus solar energy, the generated electricity is stored and utilised later when there is a high demand. This approach helps balance the Dutch energy grid, avoiding peak periods and ensuring optimal resource allocation.

“With the Smart Beach Grid, we are exploring the blueprint for the electricity grid of the future. The beach battery enables even smarter energy management, addressing significant challenges posed by the energy transition in cities like The Hague. Initiatives like this contribute to making Scheveningen a more sustainable place,” said Saskia Bruines, deputy mayor of the municipality of The Hague.

The project further aims to empower users such as beach pavilions and festivals by granting them greater control over their energy consumption.

For instance, they can specify preferences such as maintaining a certain temperature range using the cheapest method or scheduling electric vehicle charging during the most sustainable hours.

After a two-year trial period, Stedin plans to scale up the concept. Initially implemented in Scheveningen alone, the aim is to extend this model to other low-voltage networks across the country.

Said Danny Benima, Stedin’s CFO: “As a grid operator, Stedin faces the challenge of increasing congestion on the electricity grid. Innovation is key to addressing this challenge. This battery exemplifies a smart solution to optimise grid capacity utilisation. Testing such technologies on a small scale in Scheveningen is crucial for Stedin. Hence, the collaboration between Stedin and the municipality of The Hague.”

Living Lab Scheveningen

The development of the smart beach grid takes place within the Living Lab Scheveningen, a smart city testbed and learning area along the Scheveningen boulevard.

Additionally, the beach of Scheveningen is used to test smart city innovations like:

1. Autonomous grid control: software orchestrates the flow of electricity, optimising energy distribution and ensuring reliability.
2. Renewable energy integration: Solar panels adorn rooftops, harnessing sunlight to power nearby facilities, reducing reliance on traditional grid sources.
3. Dynamic charging stations: Electric vehicle charging points adapt to demand, maximising efficiency and supporting the transition to sustainable transportation.
4. Smart lighting systems: Energy-efficient LED lights illuminate the boulevard, equipped with sensors to adjust brightness based on foot traffic and weather conditions.
5. Data-driven waste management: Sensor-equipped bins optimise waste collection schedules, reducing litter and enhancing cleanliness along the coastline.
6. Interactive information kiosks: Touchscreen displays provide real-time updates on weather forecasts, local events, and sustainable living tips, fostering community engagement.

According to the Hague municipality, the event area at the Beach Stadium and the control centre of Scheveningen harbour are already connected to the smart beach grid. This year, three beach pavilions will also start supplying and consuming energy from the beach grid.