Dronter Energy Storage

About this project

In the rural area of the municipality of Dronten, the Dronter Energy Storage ((in Dutch: “Dronter Energie Opslag” – DEO) project is being developed – a large-scale energy storage system located north of the Windplan Groen transformer station. The total project area covers approximately 6 hectares and is led by GreenPowerBank Dronten B.V. (Begro), Pure Energie Battery Groen B.V., and FlevoBESS B.V. Together, they are realising a project that offers storage capacity for sustainably generated electricity.

This energy storage system will help to deliver the generated electricity from Windplan Groen more evenly into the national high-voltage grid, reducing peaks and troughs caused by weather-dependent production. The project responds to the growing need for flexibility in the electricity market and contributes to a stable, robust, and sustainable energy supply in the Netherlands.

Phasing and duration of the project
The project will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, an energy storage system with a capacity of approximately 90 megawatts (MW) will be developed on a 3-hectare site at Olsterdwarspad. The area for phase 1 is divided into three sections, with each section being developed by one of the three initiators.

The battery park will be connected to the nearby Closed Distribution System Groen (GDG), which is already connected to several wind farms of Windplan Groen and a solar park in Biddinghuizen. This connection allows excess renewable energy to be stored during peak load on the high-voltage grid of TenneT.

The construction of the battery, consisting of rhythmically arranged battery units up to 3.5 meters high, will take approximately one year. The first electricity is expected in the third quarter of 2025, with the full operation of the first phase in the first half of 2026. The second phase, which covers the same area, will start later.

Sustainable alternative and balancing services
In addition to improving flexibility in delivering power to the high-voltage grid, DEO will also offer balancing services to TenneT. These services are crucial for maintaining the European grid frequency and provide a CO2-reduced alternative to the balancing services currently mainly provided by gas power plants.

Contribution to the local community
Although Dronter Energy Storage has an impact on the rural area of Dronten, it also makes a significant contribution to the local community. In the first five years of operation, the initiators will contribute €450,000 to the area fund Stichting Windfondsen Dronten. This fund supports initiatives that improve the quality of life and the surroundings of local residents.

The role of Ventolines
Ventolines plays a central role in the development of Dronter Energy Storage. From the outset, we laid a solid foundation by organising the collaboration between the three initiators and formalising the associated land agreements. We also guided the permitting process, including the amendment of the zoning plan and the application for environmental permits. In June 2024, the zoning plan became final.

Ventolines also coordinated the agreement on the connection and transport agreement between the three initiators and the Closed Distribution System (GDG) of Windplan Groen, as well as the integration of an Energy Management System (EMS).

After the zoning plan became final, work could proceed towards the start of construction. At this stage, we are responsible for the engineering, contracting, and construction of all shared facilities, such as access roads, export cables to connect to the GDG station, water storage, and the creation of a green strip for landscape integration. In addition, we are fully developing one of the three battery systems: specifically the system from GreenPowerBank Dronten.

With our expertise and involvement in every phase of the project, we ensure that Dronter Energy Storage is not only technically and practically successful but also makes a crucial contribution to a stable and sustainable electricity grid.

Would you like to know more about what we have done for this project? For more information, visit the page of Dronter Energy Storage.