Energy Hubs strengthen resilient energy infrastructure

The energy transition is driving rapid electrification in buildings, mobility, and industry. This leads to structural grid congestion that cannot be resolved in time through grid expansion alone. Spatial constraints, long lead times, and workforce shortages call for a different approach. Energy Hubs provide an alternative by aligning supply and demand locally and regionally and treating the energy system as an integrated whole.

Project background

Energy systems were historically designed for centralized generation and single energy flows. Today, decentralized generation, variable sources, and growing flexibility demand play a major role. Many current solutions still focus on one domain, often electricity, leading to suboptimal outcomes. The whitepaper from the Lectorenplatform Energievoorziening in Evenwicht shows that the lack of system integration is the core issue. Energy Hubs approach energy as a Smart Multi Commodity Grid.

Grid congestion cannot be solved with a single technology. Only by designing energy as an integrated system can future-proof solutions emerge.

- Vision from the Energy Hubs whitepaper by Pepijn van Willigenburg and Sander Mertens

Objective

Realize an integrated energy system where energy flows are aligned, multiple carriers work together, and grid congestion is structurally reduced.

Target group

Companies facing grid congestion, area developers, grid operators, energy cooperatives, engineers, installers, and policymakers. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential.

Method

Applied research using real-world cases combining conversion, storage, transport, and demand control. These cases provide insight into system design choices and translate experience into reproducible knowledge.

Results

Energy Hubs demonstrate that:
• integrated system design is more robust than isolated optimization
• combining energy carriers creates flexibility
• local alignment reduces grid congestion
• collaboration between stakeholders is crucial

They also show that electricity-only thinking is insufficient and that multi-carrier design is necessary.

Impact

Energy Hubs expand design possibilities under limited grid capacity and make energy systems more future-proof. They strengthen collaboration between companies and stakeholders. The research contributes to knowledge development and supports education and practice in system integration within the energy transition.

More information

Whitepaper #7 Energy Hubs – Lectorenplatform Energievoorziening in Evenwicht

Duration

2025 (whitepaper), ongoing research

Funding

SIA funding for Lectorenplatform Energievoorziening in Evenwicht

Collaboration

Research Group Energy in Transition and LEVE network

Team

Pepijn van Willigenburg
Sander Mertens
Researchers affiliated with LEVE

Contact

Research Group Energy in Transition – The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Sander Mertens, [email protected]