Wed, 15 Oct 2025

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 Netherlands' renewables drive putting pressure on its power grid

Homes asked to use less electricity as network is overloaded by the rush to wind and solar power.

* Dutch government launched "Flip the Switch" campaign warning viewers about high electricity usage during peak hours (4-9 PM)
* Netherlands' power grid is under stress due to large-scale adoption of electric cars and renewable energy sources
* Grid congestion, or traffic jams on the power grid, cause malfunctions and blackouts
* The problem is caused by outdated grid infrastructure designed for gas-fired power plants, now struggling to handle decentralized wind and solar power generation
* Experts say it's an expensive problem to solve, with estimates suggesting it will take years and billions of dollars to upgrade the distribution networks
* Companies and households are facing waiting lists for new connections due to grid congestion, hindering economic growth and limiting renewable energy expansion
* Dutch government plans to spend €200bn on reinforcing the grid by 2050, but experts say patience is required as projects can take up to a decade to complete.
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