S4 Muntendam
Flagship HV Project

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) address one of the core challenges of the energy transition: renewable electricity is not always generated when demand is highest. By storing surplus renewable power and releasing it when needed, BESS enables a more reliable, flexible, and resilient electricity system.

The Muntendam project will play a key role in balancing the grid in the northeast of the Netherlands—a region characterised by high levels of solar and offshore wind generation and relatively low industrial demand. This imbalance places increasing pressure on the grid and can constrain further renewable development. By providing large-scale storage capacity, Muntendam will absorb excess renewable electricity and supply it back to the system during periods of peak demand, reducing congestion and reliance on gas-fired generation.

Through its scale and location, the project will support grid stability where system pressure is highest and contribute directly to the Netherlands’ and Europe’s broader renewable integration, decarbonisation, and energy security objectives.

The project is strategically distinctive due to its alignment with both current and future grid constraints and regional development priorities. Located in an area experiencing significant grid congestion, it is being developed to support the electricity system while minimising impact on local communities and infrastructure. S4 Energy is working closely with local authorities, businesses, grid operators, and other developers—including competitors—to coordinate the cable route, enabling efficient use of shared infrastructure and reducing disruption during construction.

The project is also designed to integrate into the local energy ecosystem. Engagement with nearby data centres is planned to enable the reuse of excess heat, while collaboration with other industries aims to unlock grid capacity where congestion is most acute. Ecological integration forms a key part of the development approach, with spatial planning and routing decisions coordinated with municipalities and grid operators to minimise environmental disturbance and align with regional sustainability objectives. The project is planned to enter commercial operation in Q1 2028.

Technically, the project is being developed with fully grid-forming battery, inverter, and transformer systems. Once operational, these systems will actively support the electricity grid by providing synthetic inertia, voltage optimisation, black start capability, and both reactive and active power—capabilities that go beyond traditional energy storage and are increasingly critical in a renewable-dominated power system.

The project is being designed and prepared in line with the highest safety and quality standards. It will comply with PGS 37 requirements and align with international frameworks, including the ISO 27000 series for information security and recognised fire and system safety standards such as UL 9540 and UL 9540A. This combination of advanced grid-forming functionality and rigorous safety, cybersecurity, and quality controls positions the project as a next-generation battery storage asset, planned for commercial operation by Q1 2028.

S4 Energy develops the project in line with high safety and quality standards, including PGS 37, the ISO 27000 series, and internationally recognised fire and safety standards such as UL 9540 and UL 9540A. These standards are embedded throughout the design and development process to ensure safe, reliable, and resilient operation.

S4 Energy works closely with local authorities, grid operators, and businesses to minimise community impact and maximise local value. Cable routing is coordinated with other developers to reduce disruption and environmental disturbance. In addition, the project supports broader regional benefits by enabling heat reuse from data centres, facilitating connections for other industries affected by grid congestion, and integrating ecologically into the local environment. Collectively, these measures strengthen local grid resilience while supporting sustainable regional development.