Renewable energy policy database and support

Plant operators are contractually entitled to be connected to the grid by the grid operator. The grid operator is obliged to enter into these contracts (art. 23 par. 1 Electricity Act). No privileges for renewable energy plants exist, e.g. in terms of a right to priority connection.

By agreement, the plant operator is entitled against the grid operator to use the grid. The grid operator is obliged to enter into a grid use agreement with the plant operator (art. 24 par. 1 Electricity Act). Electricity from renewable energy sources is not given priority e.g. in terms of a purchase obligation. The Electricity Act requires non-discriminatory access by all parties to TenneT’s transmission grid (TenneT is the Dutch TSO).

A grid use and access agreement may confer to the plant operator the right to claim the expansion of the grid if the expansion is necessary to guarantee access to or use of the grid. However, apart from rights deriving from the agreement, the plant operator is not entitled to the expansion of the grid by the grid operator. The grid operator is obliged to expand his grid according to general principles (art. 16 par. 1 letter c) Electricity Act). Renewable energy plants are not given priority.

•  Electricity Act (Elektriciteitswet 1998 – general law on electricity) 
• Fee Code (TarievenCode Elektriciteit - Gewijzigd vastgesteld door de Raad van Bestuur van de NMa bij besluit van 24 februari 2009, nr. 102466/23 – rules on the grid use charges determined by the Governing Board of the NMa)