The digitalization of the economy is driving unprecedented growth of data centers in the Netherlands. Cloud, AI, edge computing, and redundant IT infrastructures require ever larger, continuous, and reliable volumes of electricity. New hyperscale locations require capacity on the order of 20 to 150 MW, while existing colocation and enterprise data centers—within their current configurations—are demanding more power and expanding rapidly.
At the same time, the capacity of the Dutch electricity grid is growing much more slowly. In virtually all provinces, there is structural grid congestion at the high- and medium-voltage levels. Connections can often still be realized technically, but transport rights are lacking. As a result, expansions get stuck, new data centers are delayed, and major uncertainties arise in investment decisions.
For data centers, grid congestion is not a temporary bottleneck but a strategic risk. Growth is limited, redundancy requirements come under pressure, and sustainability goals (Scope 2, 24/7 matching) become harder to achieve.
Still, there are (fortunately!) an increasing number of operational and contractual solutions. Below we outline 10 routes that are relevant in practice for data centers with large power demands.
The queue for transport capacity (GTO)
For large consumers, the queue with the grid operator is often the formal starting point. Applications are assessed technically, but transport rights are only granted once grid reinforcements have been completed. For data centers, this means waiting times of 5 to sometimes 10+ years, depending on region and voltage level.
It’s also important to realize that your place in the queue is asset-specific. Expansions and phasing require new applications, and waiting time is not the same as certainty about an exact delivery date.
For many data centers, waiting is only acceptable if other solutions are implemented in parallel.
Site selection: build where the grid still has available capacity
New data centers are increasingly moving to regions with relatively more grid capacity or planned expansions. A smart site selection can make the difference between 0–2 years or 8–10 years of delay.
What should you pay attention to? First, look at the availability of MV/HV substations and expansion planning. In addition, redundant supply routes, spatial planning, and permitting processes are important. Don’t forget future scalability either (>50 MW).
For existing assets this is not a solution, but for new builds it has become a decisive factor.
Peak shaving with large-scale battery energy storage (BESS)
MW-scale battery systems are increasingly being deployed to limit peak loads. They also compensate for non-firm transport rights and create operational flexibility.
In combination with an advanced EMS, a data center can increase effective capacity without grid reinforcement. Batteries are charged during off-peak hours or at low prices and supply power during peak load or congestion moments.
This is especially interesting for data centers with variable load, expansion on existing connections, and non-firm ATO contracts.
Temporary (construction) connections for new builds and expansions
During construction and commissioning phases, temporary connections with relatively high capacities are sometimes used.
If you phase these temporary connections smartly, they can be used internally for testing and commissioning phases, temporary production or IT load, and serve as a bridge to a permanent connection.
This is strictly temporary and permit-dependent, but it can bridge months to years.
Splitting assets and connections (multiple connection points)
For large campuses or modular data centers, the asset can be split into multiple legal or functional units, each with its own connection. This does require close coordination with the grid operator and the municipality, but it can lead to:
- faster partial commissioning
- spreading of congestion risk
- more flexibility in contract structures
(Hybrid) backup power and structural use of generators
Generators are traditionally intended for backup, but in congestion regions they are increasingly being used structurally. Combined with batteries, this creates a hybrid system in which peaks are handled locally and transport rights are protected. At the same time, operational reliability is maintained.
For data centers this requires strict compliance on emissions, noise, and permits, but operationally it is a proven route.
Private networks and linking multiple locations
Operators with multiple data centers or buildings on one campus can use private networks to distribute capacity. This makes it possible to use underutilized capacity elsewhere. It also enables smarter redundancy design and phased realization of expansions.
Cable pooling with self-generation (solar, wind, PPAs)
Cable pooling means multiple producers and/or consumers share one connection. For data centers, this becomes relevant in combination with onsite solar, local wind, and direct PPA structures.
Although this is rarely sufficient for full load, it contributes to reducing grid loading and better utilization of existing infrastructure. It is also significantly more sustainable.
Group contracts and shared transport rights
On business parks or in data center clusters, multiple parties can jointly procure transport capacity through group contracts. This requires mutual alignment and legal structuring, but it delivers necessary benefits. Peaks are smoothed, available capacity is used more optimally, and expansions become possible without reinforcement.
Alternative transport rights: non-firm ATO & block contracts
Grid operators are introducing new contract forms to encourage flexibility: non-firm ATO (fast connection without a guarantee of transport) and block contracts (guaranteed capacity in fixed time windows).
This is intended for data centers with load-shifting capabilities, battery storage, and hybrid backup. These contract forms can make the difference between standstill and growth.
What can the Kobespa Energy Collective mean for data centers?
Kobespa supports data centers in strategically and technically unlocking capacity in congestion regions. We combine:
- load analyses and power profiles
- contractual and regulatory knowledge
- technical solutions (BESS, EMS, hybridization)
- guidance toward grid operators and stakeholders
Not from one standard solution, but from the total system.
Would you like to brainstorm about your data center, expansion, or site selection? Kobespa is
happy to have an informal conversation to see how continuity, growth, and sustainability can remain possible—even under structural grid congestion.