Dutch power grid struggling under influx of solar panels: report

In some areas in the Netherlands the power grid is struggling to cope with the large number of new solar panels installed over the past few years, various Dutch newspapers report.

According to the Telegraaf, there is talk of "traffic jams" on the grid. In parts of Groningen, Drenthe and Overijssel, network operators Enexis and Tennet have to say "no" to the initiators of new large-scale projects, the Volkskrant and Financieele Dagblad report. According to FD, a lack of power cables is even standing in the way of the switch to green energy.

These problems don't affect individuals much, as they can't be refused if they apply to install solar panels on their home. But large-scale consumers and suppliers can be told no, which means that the dreams of investors who want to build solar parks on farmland and the green ambitions of football clubs are being shattered, the newspapers write.

The north and east of the country in particular are facing problems, because the land there is the cheapest and so desirable for investors, but these areas have the thinnest cables in the ground.

"Our electricity grid is not built for what we expect now", a spokesperson for network operator Liander said, according to RTL Nieuws. Expanding the grid capacity to make room for solar power will take years and cost billions of euros.