Report

What is the added value of energy hubs?

This study examines overarching issues surrounding energy hubs: what is the actual added value of realising energy hubs? What do they deliver for the participating entrepreneurs and for the Dutch energy system, and what do they contribute to social prosperity? Similarly, what priority should we give to the different forms of energy hubs?

This study assessed the social values and business cases for five energy hubs on business parks between from 2025 to 2034. The approach generated an assessment framework to estimate whether an energy hub has social value and a good payback period. In addition, key barriers and success factors for energy hubs were identified.

  • In terms of social value, the five cases reveal that the social value of an energy hub can vary widely: from positive to negative. Key differentiators are unfacilitated electricity demand from businesses, lower grid impact and additional solar and wind relative to consumption.
  • The business case for energy hubs is strongly determined by the business case for extra solar PV and batteries; energy hubs that require little investment in renewable generation, batteries or aggregates can realise a quick payback period.
  • Barriers to the roll-out of energy hubs in the Netherlands have been identified; these are mainly contracts between grid operators and energy hub participants and the standardisation of products. In addition, success factors were identified that help determine feasibility and social value for individual business parks.

This study thereby provides insight for policymakers regarding the further development of incentives and the facilitation of energy hubs. In addition, it offers starting points for local energy hubs.

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