Expanding the Energy Grid
Challenge:
Liander, a leading energy distribution company, faced the pressing challenge of accommodating the increasing demand for energy in their service areas. The existing energy grid is already strained, while Liander also needs to meet the rising demand. They contacted Applied Complexity to help identify ways forward.
Main Question: How can Liander do more to expand the electricity network until 2030 so that it can meet customer demand, while also paying attention to better utilization of the networks and preventing increased demand?
Implementation:
We brought together a diverse group of industry experts, policymakers, business leaders and other key stakeholders. They participated in multiple Group Model Building sessions, where each individual brought a unique perspective to the table.
The heart of our approach was the development of a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD). This powerful tool allowed us to visualize the complex interplay of factors affecting the electricity network. By combining the insights gathered from our varied group of participants with thorough research and existing documentation, we crafted a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“The playing field in which we operate as Alliander is becoming increasingly complex. We face a shortage of technicians, increasing demands from our surroundings, tighter legislation and a rapidly evolving energy landscape where demand is continuously shifting. It’s no longer possible to isolate challenges and address them individually. There is too much interaction between these challenges.
Applied Complexity has developed a scientifically robust method to not only map this complexity, but also to provide insights through causal loop diagrams. Thanks to Applied Complexity’s extensive network of experts, the expert sessions organized in collaboration with Liander were very insightful.”
Jan van de Ven, Manager Change Team Liander Operations at Alliander