The term energy hub is increasingly common in discussions about the future of energy on industrial estates. But what exactly is it, and why is it so relevant? An energy hub, also called an energy hub or energie hub, is a smart solution where multiple companies collaborate to distribute, store, and utilize locally generated energy. Rather than each company individually dealing with energy, a shared infrastructure is set up to manage peak loads and use sustainable energy more efficiently. This approach is particularly attractive on industrial estates, where many companies are concentrated, and network capacity is under pressure. The benefits are both economic and ecological: lower energy costs, more stable energy supply, and a faster transition to sustainable business operations.

How does an energy hub work exactly?

An energy hub functions as a local energy network where different energy sources come together. Think of solar energy from business premises, wind energy, or battery systems. The generated energy is centrally managed, often with the aid of a smart energy management system. Companies that need energy at that moment can take it directly from the hub, while surplus energy is temporarily stored or fed back to the grid. This balances the electricity consumption over the connected parties without unnecessarily burdening the electricity grid.

Furthermore, the energy hub provides insight into the consumption of all participants. Based on this, companies can organize their processes more efficiently and respond to peaks or drops in demand and supply. This is particularly crucial for an energy hub industrial estate: there is a constantly changing energy consumption that can be organized much more sustainably and affordably with smart management.

The benefits of an energy hub for entrepreneurs

The collective use of energy through an energy hub provides clear benefits for entrepreneurs. Significant gains can be achieved in terms of cost, sustainability, and reliability:

• Lower energy costs: By sharing energy, less dependence on the public grid is created.

• Smart energy storage: Energy is not wasted but stored for later use.

• More control and insight: Real-time data provides grip on consumption and costs.

• Future-proofing: Energy hubs contribute to CO₂-neutral business operations.

• Relief of the electricity grid: Essential in areas with grid congestion.

An additional advantage is the possibility to apply for subsidies or benefit from municipal sustainability projects, which increasingly revolve around setting up a shared energy infrastructure.

Energy hub industrial estate as a solution for grid congestion

In industrial estates, the energy network is often overloaded. New connections face long waiting times or capacity limitations. An energy hub industrial estate offers a solution. By generating, sharing, and smartly storing energy locally, a self-sufficient system is created that exerts less pressure on the public grid. This allows for expansion or electrification of processes without delay.

Moreover, it becomes easier to connect new technologies such as electric trucks, heat pumps, or production lines to sustainable energy. In some cases, a battery container is also used, serving as a central storage for surplus energy and helping balance demand.

Is an energy hub suitable for every industrial estate?

Although the benefits are clear, an energy hub is not automatically applicable for every industrial estate. Important factors include the willingness of companies to collaborate, the presence of sustainable generation capacity, and the available space for storage solutions. However, there are more and more success stories in the Netherlands demonstrating that collaboration pays off — both for large industrial areas and smaller clusters of SMEs.

Additionally, there are parties and consultancy firms that help set up an energy hub industrial estate. They conduct technical feasibility studies, guide subsidy applications, and set up the system so that it remains scalable towards the future.

The role of policy and legislation in energy hubs

Municipalities, provinces, and the national government encourage the establishment of energy hubs, particularly in areas where grid congestion threatens. Various subsidies and schemes are available, such as the SDE++ or investment subsidies for battery storage. In addition, governments are working on a more favorable fiscal climate for collective energy initiatives.

An important point of attention is the legal framework: who is responsible for the network, who manages the data, and how are the costs fairly distributed? These matters must be well-established in cooperation agreements or cooperative models beforehand.

Frequently asked questions about energy hubs

What is the difference between an energy hub and a microgrid?
A microgrid is often a small-scale, autonomous network, while an energy hub focuses more on collaboration between multiple companies or buildings within one area.

Can I, as a small company, participate in an energy hub industrial estate?
Yes, definitely. By joining forces with other companies, you can benefit from economies of scale.

Is it mandatory to generate sustainable energy to participate?
No, but it does make it more attractive. Companies with solar panels or other generation capacity can use their surplus more efficiently within the hub.

Who manages an energy hub?
This varies per project. Sometimes it is an external party, sometimes it is arranged through a cooperative of participating companies.

How much does participation in an energy hub cost?
The costs depend on the infrastructure, the number of participants, and the chosen technologies. Often there are subsidies available that cover a large part of the investment.

What if I need more electricity than is available in the hub?
Then the difference is still supplied via the regular electricity grid, but often the need for this is significantly lower.