New wind turbines in Utrecht province will often stand idle

New wind turbines in the province of Utrecht will most likely stand still for hours at a time because the electricity grid is overfull. The regional grid operator Stedin says new solar fields and wind turbines can only be connected on certain conditions. One is that the turbines are switched off at peak moments.

Peaks occur on sunny, windy days, when solar panels already fill much of the grid and it cannot take the extra wind power. A turbine cannot be flicked on and off: once it is running, it must be able to keep running for some time. So when Stedin expects a sunny, windy day, it limits a turbine's output for a few hours.

A Stedin spokesperson said the problem arises mainly between March and September, and that the peaks differ by month: "The 'solar peak' of May, June and July is much higher and longer than in March." He added: "When the sun is gone, the wind turbines can run at full power again."

National grid operator Tennet says the congestion can only be eased after several high-voltage stations are expanded and built.

Local resistance

Almost three years ago the province designated 27 locations as suitable for wind energy. Many municipalities and residents oppose the plans. Dick Polman, alderman of Stichtse Vecht, said: "Of course we will not cooperate in any way with this provincial process."

Last week the municipal council of Montfoort reluctantly agreed to two turbines. This week the province decided to have two turbines built in Amersfoort while the council there was still hesitating.

Stedin's spokesperson said the peaks most often fall between 10am and 4pm. The restriction on turbines is set out in a letter from the provincial executive member to the provincial council, dated early July, which is now drawing attention because of the debates over new turbines.