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Working Together for a Future-Proof Electricity Grid

Reactive Power Compensation

 
Reactive power can cause energy losses and damage to electrical equipment within the electricity grid. That’s why the Dutch grid operators are investigating ways to compensate reactive power by using flexible assets of customers.

On this page, you can learn more about reactive power compensation and register your company if you are interested in participating.

What is Reactive Power?

Reactive power is the part of electrical power required to generate magnetic or electric fields in devices such as motors and transformers. This power does not perform direct useful work (like driving machinery or lighting), but it is essential for the operation of many types of equipment.

Because reactive power causes voltage and current to fall out of phase, a higher current is needed to deliver the desired active power. This leads to:

  • Additional load on the electricity grid, resulting in energy losses in the form of heat (network losses).
  • Voltage fluctuations, which can cause faster wear and tear on electrical devices and installations.

Read more about reactive power »

Why is participating important?

The energy transition is placing increasing strain on electricity grids. We aim to use the grid more intelligently, ensuring capacity remains available for new customers and sustainable initiatives. That’s why we’re focusing not only on active power but also on better management of reactive power.

Who can participate in reactive power compensation?

Large-scale consumers and producers can actively contribute to managing reactive power. With the right settings and smart control, it is possible to reduce reactive power by generating less of it, or to compensate by absorbing reactive power.

Do you have:

  • Large electric motors or pumps?
  • Industrial processes with high inductive loads?
  • Heat pumps, compressors, or other equipment with variable power demand?
  • Controllable inverters, commonly found in energy storage systems (like BESS), as well as in solar and wind farms?

If so, there’s a good chance you have controllable capacity suitable for helping to mitigate reactive power issues on the grid.

How does participation work?

Participation is not yet possible. The specific conditions, such as technical requirements, measurability, and reward structure are currently being finalised.

Do you have one of the assets mentioned above and are you interested in participating? Then please fill out the interest form below. We will keep you informed about the progress and contact you when we begin selecting participants.