All grid operators in the Netherlands will start using the same connection modules for unmanned installations such as charging stations, advertising pillars, and street lighting. Enexis, Stedin, and Liander, representing all regional grid operators, developed the compact connection module (or ‘ Compacte AansluitModule’ – CAM) together with the supplier Connectens. Today, the first charging station was connected using the CAM at the premises of co-initiator ElaadNL in Arnhem. The new connection modules are more compact and ensure that installations can be connected more safely and quickly. With the CAM, grid operators can connect an unmanned object in public spaces three times faster, saving a lot of a technician’s time, thereby freeing up more time to achieve the ambitions of the energy transition.
Due to ongoing economic growth, sustainability efforts, and the digitalization of society, the demand for electricity continues to increase. Grid operators face the significant challenge of expanding the electricity networks in the Netherlands to meet this demand. Additionally, there is a severe shortage of technicians. Therefore, the grid operators are collectively seeking innovative solutions to make their work better, smarter, faster, and safer. The development of the CAM is a prime example of this and results in significant time savings.
The new compact connection module operates faster due to a new connection technique. Many technical components are pre-assembled in the factory, eliminating the need for assembly in the field. Moreover, the final assembly is made very simple thanks to a handy connection plug. The plug is also pre-assembled, allowing the object to be quickly connected to the electrical grid. Choosing the compact connection module as a national standard is a significant step towards uniformity, provides clarity for manufacturers, and makes connecting objects like charging stations easier and safer.
“The pace of the energy transition is accelerating, and this brings a significant challenge. That is why it is important that we as grid operators work together and look for solutions to the amount of work that needs to be done in the coming years,” says Marlies Visser, COO of Liander, on behalf of all regional grid operators and ElaadNL. “The compact connection module is a prime example of an innovation from which the grid operators immediately benefit because it makes connecting unmanned objects three times faster. Such innovations help to deploy the scarce number of technicians as efficiently as possible, providing more time to achieve the ambitions of the energy transition.”
“The compact connection module is a prime example of an innovation from which the grid operators immediately benefit because it makes connecting unmanned objects three times faster.”
To achieve the mobility targets of the Dutch National Climate Agreement, 1.7 million charging points for electric vehicles are needed by 2030. A large portion of these charging points will be located in public spaces and must therefore be connected to the power grid by grid operators. Onoph Caron, director of ElaadNL, the knowledge and innovation center of the joint grid operators for smart charging infrastructure, is pleased with the new compact connection module. Caron stated, “In our quest for a simpler, more compact connection for charging stations that began years ago, this is a beautiful result. It’s fantastic for the sector that all new public charging points can now be connected faster and uniformly with a CAM. This simplifies the work, thereby accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure, which directly contributes to the sustainability of mobility in the Netherlands.”
“For the sector, it is fantastic that all new public charging points can be connected quickly and uniformly using a CAM. This simplifies the work, thereby accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure, which directly contributes to the sustainability of mobility in the Netherlands.”
The CAM is being rolled out in phases. Connection modules that were already in production are being used up first. Suppliers of public objects ensure that their objects meet the standards and requirements for connection with the CAM. The conditions and connection specifications can be found in the product brochures on the websites of the grid operators. It is expected that by the end of the second quarter of 2023, the current modules will no longer be used and the new compact connection module will become the standard.