1 kW Grid-Balanced Neighbourhood for Grid-Constrained Housing
Expert(s) |
Iris Hartstra
|
Ivo Pothof
Due to grid congestion, new residential areas are increasingly unable to obtain a timely connection to the electricity grid. As a result, the delivery of thousands of homes is being delayed, putting pressure on national housing targets.
Deltares, together with the energy co-operative Almeerse Wind, Alliander (DEP), Merosch, Bright, and the Municipality of Almere, is therefore exploring the feasibility of a solution to keep housing development moving forward: the development of the 1 kW Grid-Balanced Neighbourhood. The unique composition of this consortium provides a solid foundation for testing the concept in an integrated way — technically, socially, and from a regulatory perspective.
Smart design uses the energy grid two to three times more efficiently
The 1 kW Grid-Balanced Neighbourhood is a scalable concept for new residential neighbourhoods in which the simultaneous peak electricity demand per home is limited to 1 kW. This is significantly lower than current design values of 2.5 to 3.5 kW. As a result, it is expected that two to three times as many homes can be connected using the same grid capacity, without having to wait for grid reinforcement.
To achieve this, the concept makes use of local energy generation (including solar panels), underground energy storage and, where possible, minimal battery use, control through smart systems, and guidelines for residents’ energy use. Together, these elements create a robust and locally balanced energy system.
From pilot to scalable concept
The approach is being developed using several case studies in Almere, ranging from six homes to the future urban area development in Almere Pampus (approximately 7,500 homes). By designing, modelling, and testing at multiple scales — street, neighbourhood, district, and urban area — the partners are working together towards a standardised cooperation concept that municipalities, developers, and energy co-operatives can apply directly.
Expertise in sustainable heat and integrated energy models
Within the project, Deltares contributes expertise and models for designing sustainable heating and cooling networks using water and subsurface resources. User and cost data are collected, and the technical and economic feasibility is assessed at the level of individual homes, buildings, neighbourhoods, and urban areas.
In addition, Deltares contributes to the development of frameworks, protocols, and indicators for grid-aware construction. This combination of technical insights and governance instruments makes the approach scalable and applicable to new housing projects throughout the Netherlands.
The 1 kW Grid-Balanced Neighbourhood is more than a technical solution. The concept also focuses on resident participation, new forms of collaboration with energy communities, and a governance model that encourages long-term engagement. By developing technology, behaviour, and organisational structures in an integrated way, a future-proof local energy system is created that is reliable, affordable, and socially supported.
Unlocking housing development
The development of the 1 kW Grid-Balanced Neighbourhood directly addresses a major barrier to housing construction. By significantly reducing the required connection capacity, space is created to build more quickly — essential for achieving the national housing target of 600,000 new homes by 2030.
