Local Energy System Pilot
On April 13, 2026, Enexis announced that several municipalities within the Eindhoven Metropolitan Region will face a moratorium on new connections to the power grid starting July 1, 2026. This also applies to Geldrop-Mierlo, particularly Mierlo. In parts of the network, there is no longer any capacity for additional electricity consumption. As a result, no new connections can be made in Mierlo starting July 1, 2026. This means that new homes, schools, and healthcare facilities cannot be connected. Expanding existing connections, for example for heat pumps or charging stations, is also often not possible.
For Mierlo, this means that construction plans cannot proceed for the time being because there is no power available. In Geldrop, there is still limited capacity on the grid, but constraints are increasing there as well. Nationwide, regulations are being developed to allocate the available capacity. Critical services, such as Health safety, will be given priority.
The crux of the matter
As a result, the energy transition is running up against clear limits. This is not a temporary problem. The current energy system is becoming increasingly ill-suited to sustainably generated local energy, such as solar power. Simply expanding the power grid is not enough. That costs a lot of money and does not offer a lasting solution.
Suggested direction
The council therefore wants to explore whether Geldrop-Mierlo could serve as a pilot municipality for a local energy system.
In such a system, residents and businesses generate their own energy, store it, and use it together in a smart way. The national power grid is only used when there is not enough energy available locally.
To explore this further, we will follow two lines of inquiry:
- The municipality is exploring the options and Requirements for a local energy system.
- In addition, we are discussing this plan with the Eindhoven Metropolitan Region and other relevant organizations. We are asking for their ideas and their willingness to collaborate.
By generating, storing, and using energy locally, we can reduce the strain on the power grid. This creates an energy system that is better prepared for the future.
This does, however, require an active contribution from residents and businesses. Affordability and accessibility also remain key priorities.
Developing the pilot
The current situation shows that change is necessary. The question is no longer whether we need to change, but how quickly we can do so.
We will continue to develop the pilot in the coming period.
Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an initial consultation? Please send an email to samenduurzaam@geldrop-mierlo.nl.