Heavier loading of electricity grid creates additional room to ease grid congestion

Arnhem, 2 April 2026 - The controlled operation of the electricity grid at higher load levels can help reduce grid congestion in the short term. This is the conclusion of a new study carried out by DNV on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK). The report was published on 2 April 2026 and submitted to the House of Representatives as an annex to a parliamentary letter on the progress of the national approach to grid congestion.

The study forms a building block within the broader government policy to address grid congestion, which focuses on faster expansion of grid infrastructure, better utilization of the existing grid, and improved insight into grid load and capacity. Within this framework, DNV examined the technical possibilities of operating the grid at higher load levels (“heavier loading”).

The study shows that, on the high  and medium voltage grid, up to approximately 30% additional transport capacity could technically be made available by using existing grid components more efficiently and intensively. Grid operators are already applying this approach in part, but according to DNV an estimated 15–20% of this potential remains untapped.

Wider implementation of heavier loading is currently constrained mainly by non technical barriers. In particular, lengthy permitting procedures – including those related to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – as well as organizational and regulatory conditions, are slowing down scaling. In addition, congestion at higher grid levels limits the direct usability of additional capacity in the medium voltage grid.

DNV recommends, among other things, accelerating procedures, strengthening cooperation between grid operators, and explicitly assessing how heavier loading – in combination with other measures such as an adjusted risk appetite – can help shorten waiting lists for new connections, while maintaining a high level of grid reliability.