During a knowledge session on April 22, Liander and Rabobank discussed the opportunities and pitfalls of battery storage as a solution for grid congestion and energy costs.

Battery Storage for Entrepreneurs: Experts from Liander and Rabobank Share Insights

Published on April 24, 2025 in Energy, Events

At a time when grid congestion and the energy transition are front-page news, more and more entrepreneurs are looking at battery storage as a solution. But when is it actually profitable?

On April 22, GBC Amsterdam Sloterdijken, in collaboration with GBC Zaanstad, hosted a knowledge session where experts from Liander and Rabobank shared their insights.

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The Energy Transition Demands Smart Solutions

Jochem Kuiper, Sector Lead Energy Storage at Liander:

“We’re undergoing a major transformation of the energy system. Electricity demand is rapidly increasing in all areas. Solar and wind are being added, but they are less predictable and don’t supply power continuously.”

Consequences include:

• Increasing surpluses and shortages on the grid
• Fluctuating energy prices
• Rising grid tariffs due to large-scale investments by grid operators

📺 Watch the session? You can do so here: [insert link]

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Five Types of Battery Storage

Liander distinguishes five categories:

1. Large-scale standalone batteries (own connection, high-voltage)
2. Behind-the-meter storage at consumers
3. Neighborhood batteries (still rare)
4. Storage at generation sites (solar and wind farms)
5. Home batteries (on the rise)

Session focus: battery storage for businesses, behind the meter.

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What Can You Do with Battery Storage?

Possibilities include:

• Smarter use of your own grid connection (keep energy behind the meter)
• Providing congestion services
• Trading on the energy market
• Providing system services (like balancing the grid)

Large vs. Small Consumers

Small consumers (≤ 3x80A):

• Fixed annual tariff, regardless of usage
• Limited impact of battery storage on grid fees

Large consumers (> 3x80A):

• Tariff based on contracted capacity and peak load
• More cost-saving opportunities with battery storage

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When Is It Profitable?

For Large Consumers:

• With predictable usage peaks (peak shaving)
• When facing feed-in restrictions (grid congestion)
• In combination with an electric vehicle fleet

For Small Consumers:

• Maximize use of self-generated solar power
• Backup during power outages

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Case Study: Apollo Verhuizingen

• Combines solar energy and battery storage
• Optimizes charging of electric vehicle fleet
• Part of the project “From A to Z(solar panel)”

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Financing & Pitfalls

Diederik Langenberg, Business Developer Energy Transition at Rabobank:

Keep in mind:

• Total system costs go beyond just the battery
• Consumption profile must be well analyzed
• Future grid tariffs are uncertain

💡 Financing options:

• Bank loan or lease
• Subsidies via RVO can strengthen the business case
• Rabobank refers to subsidy advisors

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Conclusion: Tailored Solutions Are Key

Battery storage can be valuable, but requires solid analysis.

Expert advice:

• Map out your consumption and generation clearly
• Consult independent experts
• Be critical of vendor promises
• Consider technological and regulatory developments

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📖 Want to read more? Check out the article from Solar Storage Magazine (March 26, 2025).

📩 Want to know more?
Email us:

• For Amsterdam Sloterdijken: [email protected]
• For Zaanstad: [email protected]
  Or browse previous articles on sustainable energy solutions on our website.