Organisation and Governance of Energy Hubs on Dutch business parks: A multiple case study

Abstract

Energy hubs on business parks are expected to be a part of the solution for grid congestion in the Netherlands. This study aims to gain an understanding of the complex organisational and governance dynamics of energy hubs. This was explored by conducting a qualitative multiple case study approach. Data was collected through a combination of desk research and semi-structured interviews with 13 stakeholders. The study identified the key stakeholders and examined four most directly involved stakeholder groups regarding their roles, influence, interests, and challenges. Furthermore, the following barriers were identified: non-consideration of externalities, high initial investments, inadequate access to capital, liability issues, unclear stakeholder roles, lack of ownership, an underdeveloped legislative framework, difficulties in determining asset ownership, operational complexities, system constraints, and resistance to change. To address these issues, the study proposes several solutions: quantifying the societal benefits of energy hubs to support public investment, providing public support during the exploratory phase, offering government guarantees on loans, developing new insurance policies, standardizing the setup of energy hubs, adopting a top-down bottom-up approach, setting up a clear legislative framework, informing stakeholders about ownership options, involving technical expertise and building a measuring infrastructure, coordinating between DSOs and the TSO, and fostering a high degree of organization among stakeholders. Policymakers and industry stakeholders can use these insights to steer and stimulate energy hub development in the Netherlands. Future research could include economic feasibility studies and similar research aimed at stakeholders that are not yet part of an energy hub project.