The who, why and importance of II3050

Gasunie is working together with Netbeheer Nederland and TenneT on the 2030-2050 Comprehensive Infrastructure Survey, commonly referred to as ‘II3050’. This study explores scenarios and developments in the market in order to gain a long-term perspective of the future energy system. What has emerged from this study, for example, are solutions that form the bare minimum of what is needed to achieve the climate targets set for 2050. We are all working together to build a carbon-neutral energy system. To accomplish this, the government, industry, energy companies, market parties and network operators all need to be of one mind on what the energy system in 2050 will be like and how to get there.

Our energy system is changing drastically and at an unprecedented pace. If we are to achieve the target of carbon neutrality by 2050, we need to surrender our fossil fuels and replace these with zero-carbon sources of energy. This will affect our entire energy system. What is more, it will not be long before the relationship between energy supply and demand will change. If we want to keep our system stable, reliable and affordable, we need a new element in our energy system: flexibility.

Within a smart, flexible system, we will be able to switch between different energy carriers, like gas and electricity. And we will be storing energy in batteries or salt caverns, or converting it back and forth, turning electricity into hydrogen for example.

The flexibility aspect is driven by the storage, conversion and transmission of energy, meaning we will have an entirely new system to manage. The II3050 study shows that this is feasible, based on the four future scenarios that form the starting point. These different routes to a climate-neutral 2050 have been thoroughly analysed by experts, who have considered all aspects, like what do we need where, what are the preconditions, how do we fit in the new elements, how much work is involved, and what will it cost?

Because the II3050 report gives a good overview of the consequences of the available options, this provides a good foundation for making the required assessments. This makes the report an objective guide for government bodies, network operators, social organisations and commercial parties who, together, are shaping the energy transition, and actually for all parties involved in implementing the Dutch Climate Agreement and reaching the 2050 climate target.

The aim of II3050 is to offer a long-term perspective of the energy system and the energy grids of the future. This vision of the future should provide guidance for government policy and investment decisions.