Brabant’s Energy System. Developments towards 2050 and spatial consequences

Brabant’s energy transition requires space. But that space is scarce. Together with Generation.Energy, CE Delft was commissioned by the province of North Brabant and Enexis to assess the space needed by the energy system.The focus is on the period 2030-2050. Based on three scenarios, the results of this study provide insight and knowledge regarding the possible long-term development of Brabant’s energy system.

The transition to a climate-neutral North Brabant means that the energy system in North Brabant will undergo major changes. As a result, the space requirements of the energy system will increase markedly towards 2050, possibly in different locations than is currently the case. The main conclusions about the expected spatial developments of the energy system are:

1. The first challenges of the future energy system are at Moerdijk and Geertruidenberg, as several national energy system developments converge here. This concerns offshore wind landfall, power plants, industry and possible imports of renewable fuels.
2. Secondly, there are challenges in the detailed integration into medium-voltage and low-voltage electricity network of cables and cabinets in urban areas of North Brabant. This will require further study on a smaller scale, examining specific routes and integration into public spaces or buildings.

Because spatial integration must take into account other spatial claims and potentially long decision-making procedures, it is important to start reserving space for the energy system immediately, in cooperation with network operators. This also gives parties the opportunity to respond to other spatial developments in North Brabant.