Flexible connections: a major step forward for industrial electrification in Flanders

The Flemish government has approved a new regulatory framework allowing flexible grid connections. From now on, Fluvius can enter into agreements where a connection may be temporarily limited at times of high grid load. The decree implements a European directive aimed at modernising the electricity market and accelerating the integration of renewable energy.

“For industry, this is definitely a step forward,” says Matthias Masschelin, Head of Product & Energy at Bnewable. “Nothing changes for existing connections, but for companies looking to further electrify their operations, this opens a new perspective: additional grid capacity without the heavy, time-consuming investments normally required to reinforce the network.”

Good news for industry

For industrial companies, this means that expansion and electrification projects can now move faster, and become more realistic.
“Instead of waiting for expensive and slow grid upgrades, companies can continue electrifying their activities — provided they use the grid intelligently,” Matthias explains.
“The regulation gives more room to invest in electric processes, charging infrastructure or renewable generation without waiting for major infrastructure works. In short: more opportunities for growth within existing grid capacity.”

An opportunity for batteries

The new framework allows grid operators to ensure that additional connections — including those for batteries — do not further strain the grid at critical moments.
By setting clear technical conditions, installations can be designed to take this into account.
Matthias: “In practice, this means that we make sure our batteries mainly interact with the grid when capacity is available. They charge when electricity is abundant and cheap, and discharge when the grid is under pressure. This helps industrial clients optimise self-consumption and energy costs, while keeping the grid itself balanced. Batteries effectively free up room for additional industrial activity — without requiring extra grid reinforcement.”

Their natural behaviour — charging when prices are low and discharging when they’re high — perfectly matches what the system needs. According to Matthias, the impact of technical constraints on a battery’s revenues will remain limited. “In time, this could even evolve into new tariff models that financially reward companies for relieving pressure on the grid. Energy storage is becoming an integral part of the electricity system.”

Towards a more efficient energy system

This approval shows that Flanders is choosing a clear direction: more flexibility, not just more infrastructure.
For industrial companies, it opens new opportunities. For the energy system, it marks a necessary step toward efficiency. “The future of our electricity supply doesn’t only depend on how many cables we can lay,” Matthias concludes. “It depends on how smartly we use the capacity we already have. With batteries and flexible control, companies can already be part of the solution — while strengthening their own competitiveness.”

This approval shows that Flanders is choosing a clear direction: more flexibility, not just more infrastructure.