The current transmission grid could lack of transmission capacity in certain areas. This is partly caused by producers (whether or not from sustainable energy sources) of electricity who settle in areas with favorable conditions for them and partly due to the fact that expansion of the transmission grid will take longer (10 years) then expansion of production capacity (2 – 3 years). A lack of transmission capacity can occur in an area where more electricity is produced as consumed and this surplus should be transported via the transmission grid In some situations this transport exceeds the maximum value that can be transported with in the safety standards of the transmission and thus create a shortage in transmission capacity - congestion. The lack of transmission capacity has the effect that (local) network operators cannot provide sufficient transmission capacity (connection is often not causing the problem, transporting the generated electricity does). New investments (especially in the fields of renewable energy generated) are at risk and therefore not likely to be realized. Congestion is also a risk in the Security of Supply and therefore measures should be taken to manage this risk. To solve the shortage in transmission capacity several measures are to be taken. Structural network expansion are planned and implemented in the regions but require long lead times. Temporary solutions can be achieved in the short term, this relates mainly to technical (short-term realizable) solutions – such as maintenance, upgrading or more dynamic use of the transmission grid – and operational solutions such as implementing a congestion management method. To manage operational risks with respect to congestion in the transmission grid, TenneT and regional network operators make use of the market forces in the Dutch energy sector. By all measures, new or expanding energy producers can connect to the grid and electricity produced can be transported within the prescribed safety standards. More information about congestion management, visit the TenneT website