Solutions to the Grid Congestion in The Netherlands - and the world
Watts to ADD
All Episodes
Watts to ADD – power off the grid is a podcast exploring how we can break free from grid congestion and power our lives with smarter, greener alternatives. Each episode connects ideas from Amstel Discovery District and beyond—where innovation, sustainability, and creativity spark new ways to live, work, and thrive. Join us as we ask What’s next? and add fresh energy to the conversation.
Go to the Episodes' pages for transcripts & translations
Intro
Welcome to Watts to ADD, a podcast from Connecting Concepts exploring the story behind the Amstel Discovery District (ADD) and one of the biggest challenges in the Netherlands today: grid congestion.
The problem: Power in 2037 | 1
In this episode of Watts to ADD, hosts Guusje and Dirk-Jan talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the Netherlands today: the growing congestion of the electricity grid.
What is still possible | 2
What’s still possible amid the growing electricity grid congestion in the Netherlands? Let's dive into the national prioritization list that decides who gets power first, and what that means.
Searching for Solutions | 3
The discussion dives into the mix of technical creativity, regulation, and collaboration needed to build smarter, future-proof developments in a crowded country.
A (not so) crazy idea | 4
What seems like a crazy idea? Using gas as a smart, sustainable workaround for grid congestion A combination of solar panels, thermal storage, and gas generators can power a development.
Clicking on to Gas | 5
What it really means to “click on to gas.” After realizing that electricity might not be available for years, the hosts discuss why gas has become a pragmatic — yet controversial — temporary solution.
How does gas suit with sustainability | 6
How can gas fit into frameworks like Paris Proof and BREEAM? And why sometimes, doing what’s possible now is better than waiting for the perfect solution.
What is involved in the solution | 7
We take a practical look at what it really takes to bring their gas-based energy solution to life. They discuss how solar panels, heat buffers, gas generators, and battery systems must all work together.
No solution for everybody | 8
In this episode of Watts to ADD, we face a tough reality: their innovative gas-based energy system isn’t a universal fix. We discuss why their approach works only in specific contexts and why many other projects still face gridlock
Will grid congestion ever be solved | 9
We explore how the Netherlands reached this point (from rapid electrification to limited infrastructure) and discuss whether local and national governments are doing enough to catch up.
