DC Systems opens the first Direct Current Experience Center in the Netherlands

Aalsmeer, 21 November 2024

Today, the first Experience Center for direct current technology in the Netherlands opens in Aalsmeer. Direct current (also known as DC) can address the growing shortages in the Dutch energy network. Recently, it was revealed that only 5% of business parks still have sufficient electricity. Residential construction and mobility are also at risk due to the electricity shortage, and already, 9,400 companies are on a waiting list for grid connections. The increasing demand for energy and mounting issues with network congestion prompted the Dutch-based company DC Systems to showcase its solution to the energy shortage at their Experience Center. The Experience Center is designed to raise awareness of DC solutions and highlight technological advancements with a strong focus on sustainability. Visitors can explore the future of energy distribution in an interactive environment. Additionally, the Experience Center serves as an open lab for innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, with the goal of supporting DC technology adoption and accelerating the energy transition.

The Netherlands faces a significant challenge in its energy future: electricity network shortages are rapidly increasing, and companies and consumers face daily limitations. New grid connections are delayed, and the capacity of the current network is inadequate to support the rise in energy consumption. This is evident from the grid connection waiting list, with 9,400 companies listed at the start of this year.

Direct current technology offers a solution to this problem, explains Rajath Kelamane, Managing Director of DC Systems: “Unlike conventional alternating current (AC), direct current is much more efficient for various applications. Our world increasingly runs on DC, from renewable energy sources like solar panels and battery storage systems to LED lighting and everyday devices like smartphones and laptops. Transitioning to direct current technology can significantly ease the pressure on the energy grid. A key part of this approach is Current/OS, an operating system specifically developed to enable DC networks to function efficiently and autonomously.”

The newly opened Direct Current Experience Center at Oosteinderweg 127C in Aalsmeer highlights direct current technology and is the first of its kind in the Netherlands. In a hybrid AC/DC environment, visitors can interactively explore the future of energy distribution, featuring various DC applications such as electric charging, office setups, and industrial installations. It also serves as an open laboratory with specialized facilities for testing and prototype development to support technological advancement.

Kelamane states, “We are proud to open the first Direct Current Experience Center in the Netherlands, to which many companies from the DC community have contributed. Energy is not a given; as a society, we must collaborate and share knowledge with businesses, academics, and governments to develop innovative solutions to growing energy challenges.”

Yannick Neyret, President of the Current/OS Foundation, the organization behind the operating system’s development, is also enthusiastic about the Experience Center: “The Direct Current Experience Center marks a key milestone for the DC community. While DC Systems leads this initiative, Current/OS partners will benefit greatly from it, as it provides them a platform to showcase their products and solutions. The center also offers companies dedicated facilities for testing and prototype development. This Experience Center underscores our shared commitment to advancing the DC ecosystem.”

Two notable projects in the Netherlands are the N470, the most sustainable road in the country, and the smart electric vehicle charging solution at a.s.r. Through the integration of direct current technology in the N470, energy consumption on this 4.7 km-long provincial road has been significantly reduced, making it the most sustainable road in the Netherlands. At a.s.r., the DC microgrid solution has not only improved energy efficiency but also enabled bidirectional energy flow, contributing to a more stable network. Accelerating the implementation of direct current technology in the Netherlands can optimize energy usage and relieve the national grid.

DC Systems, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a globally operating company offering innovative smart systems based on direct current (DC). They are pioneers in innovations for the development of safety applications and control systems for smart DC microgrids in public and commercial settings, as well as residential environments. In partnership with the Current/OS Foundation, they create systems that form the foundation for a sustainable energy transition. In January 2021, DC Systems became part of Schneider Electric.

On 21 November 2024, we had the pleasure of celebrating the opening of the Direct Current Experience Center. This special evening brought together innovators, researchers, policymakers, and visionaries, who share our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Book your visit at experience.center@dc.systems