Scaling Solutions for Grid Congestion in the Built Environment

Looking back at projects we previously studied to evaluate their long-term success and gain new insights may seem like a logical step, but it is rarely done in research. This project gives us that unique opportunity.

– T.B. Salcedo Rahola, Associate Professor Energy in Transition

Introduction

The energy transition in the built environment requires rapid and large-scale solutions. Many innovative projects demonstrate that sustainable technologies work, but scaling up often remains a challenge. This research revisits successful projects to understand why wider implementation is difficult. By comparing multiple cases, the project identifies what is needed to apply solutions for grid congestion and sustainability on a larger scale.

Project Background

The Netherlands aims to achieve a climate-neutral built environment by 2050. Municipalities, housing associations, and grid operators are working on solutions such as electrification, district heating networks, and energy efficiency. At the same time, grid congestion is becoming a major obstacle. Many innovative projects remain limited to pilot phases. This project analyses previous initiatives to better understand the technical, social, financial, and policy-related factors that either hinder or enable scaling up.

Objective

To gain insight into the opportunities and barriers for scaling successful sustainability projects in the built environment, with a specific focus on solutions that reduce grid congestion.

Target Group

The research is relevant for municipalities, grid operators, policymakers, housing associations, energy companies, and other professionals involved in the energy transition. It also serves researchers, students, and practice partners working on innovation and scaling strategies.

Method

The project applies an applied qualitative research approach. Existing innovation projects are analysed through literature reviews, document analysis, interviews, and stakeholder workshops. An evaluation framework is used to compare projects systematically across technical, social, financial, and policy dimensions.

Results

The project provides practical insights into why successful innovation projects often fail to scale. The outcomes include recommendations for municipalities and other stakeholders, reports, workshops, a final symposium, and scientific publications. In addition, a white paper will be developed with recommendations for funding organisations on how future innovation projects can better support scaling and societal impact.

Impact

By improving understanding of how successful sustainability projects can be scaled up, the project contributes to accelerating the energy transition and reducing grid congestion. It also strengthens the connection between education, research, and practice by generating new knowledge and practical tools for students, researchers, policymakers, and professionals.

More Information

https://www.nwo.nl/projecten/jyldx49852

Start and End Date

Start: May 2025

End: September 2026

Funding

The project is funded by NWO through the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) Energy Transition programme.

Collaboration

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Lead Partner)
• Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
• HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Avans University of Applied Sciences
• Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Team

Research Group

• Energy in Transition

Contact

Baldiri Salcedo
[email protected]