Accelerating DC Public Lighting Networks

Grid congestion calls for smarter use of existing infrastructure. This project explores how public lighting networks can contribute to a future-proof and flexible energy system.

Twee monteurs met veiligheidshelmen installeren kabels in een technische ruimte met leidingen en bekabeling aan het plafond.

Since 2012, The Hague University of Applied Sciences has been conducting applied research into the development and application of direct current technology. Public lighting has long been considered a promising growth market for DC technology, yet large-scale adoption has remained limited. Which barriers can we help remove?

– Pepijn van Willigenburg, Project Manager

Introduction

Grid congestion in low-voltage networks is an increasing challenge in the Netherlands. Besides expanding the electricity grid, making better use of existing infrastructure is essential. In this project, The Hague University of Applied Sciences investigates how public lighting networks can become part of a future-proof energy system.

Project Background

Municipalities with their own standalone public lighting networks manage and maintain this infrastructure themselves. By applying innovative direct current technology and advanced power electronics, these networks can be transformed into parallel energy infrastructures. This creates opportunities for EV charging, renewable energy integration, and Smart City applications. The project addresses the technical, organisational, and policy-related challenges of this transition.

Objective

To develop knowledge and practical tools that help remove barriers to DC public lighting networks and support the development of future-proof energy infrastructure.

Target Group

The project focuses on:

  • Governments and public authorities, including municipalities, provinces, Rijkswaterstaat, and water authorities
  • Contractors and consultants involved in planning, implementation, and maintenance
  • Suppliers of materials and components

Method

The partners collaborate in three thematic workstreams:

  • Developing standards, design principles, and educational materials for DC public lighting networks
  • Developing tools related to procurement, costs, sustainability, circularity, and legislation
  • Facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange among project partners and external stakeholders

Results

The project will realise at least three demonstration projects, including a DC public lighting installation in The Hague for EV charging, a demonstration in Delft, and a large-scale pilot at The Green Village. Additional outcomes include data collection, a standardised Programme of Requirements, a practical handbook, a Life Cycle Costing methodology, a VNG/OVL-NL working group, and a final project report.

Impact

The project contributes to MMIP 5: Electrification of the Energy System. By making smarter use of existing public lighting networks, infrastructure can support EV charging, Smart City applications, traffic systems, and other services. This reduces pressure on the electricity grid and enables more efficient use of existing cables and materials.

More Information

About the project:
https://projecten.topsectorenergie.nl/projecten/samen-dc-ovl-versnellen-39007

About Direct Current:
https://topsectorenergie.nl/en/knowledge-base/direct-current-dc-in-the-built-environment/

Start and End Date

Start: 1 September 2024

End: 28 February 2027

Funding

Funded through the Topsector Energie PPS scheme / TKI Urban Energy.

Collaboration

Project Consortium

  • Akerboom Advies & Training
  • DC Opportunities Holding B.V.
  • Flux-in B.V.
  • Licht en Donker Advies B.V.
  • Stichting Gelijkspanning Nederland
  • Stichting Hoger Beroepsonderwijs Haaglanden (The Hague University of Applied Sciences)

Team

Research Groups

  • Energy in Transition
  • Public Procurement

Contact

Pepijn van Willigenburg
Project Manager
[email protected]