AES Energy Storage has completed a 10-megawatt energy storage system in the Netherlands (Vlissingen), which has now begun operating commercially and serving the Netherlands and European Common Markets. The system comprises tens of thousands of lithium-ion batteries and is used to balance the grid, absorbing energy during times of high electricity generation and feeding it out when it drops. The system can be quickly and cost-effectively scaled to enable integration of greater volumes of intermittent generation like wind and solar. The system can reduce the use of peaking plants such as gas and is comparable to 20 megawatts of flexible resource because it can both absorb and expend 10 megawatts of power.

Commercial energy storage is not catered for in current energy regulations. NautaDutilh assisted AES on all legal aspects of this exciting innovative project, including managing the uncertainty caused by various regulatory challenges, interconnection and transport agreements, EPC and leasing documentation. NautaDutilh facilitated and assisted in contacts with the Dutch authority ACM, TSO TenneT and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The NautaDutilh core team comprised of Harm Kerstholt, Harald Wiersema and David van Ee. Also involved were Jaap Jan Trommel, Jaco Belder, Jorieke van Strijen, David Wumkes, Felicitas Stern and Tara Veenendaal.