27 Charging Hubs Challenge

How can 27 government-owned buildings in Amsterdam create charging hubs despite grid congestion? Since the beginning of this year, these buildings have been under the management and maintenance of SPIE. Recognising the potential challenges posed by grid congestion, SPIE has brought forward this issue to explore viable solutions. While immediate capacity may not always be available, innovative approaches — such as smart charging strategies, optimized energy management within the buildings, or, in critical cases, the use of generators — can make implementation possible. To achieve this, collaboration is key. With this challenge, we aim to form a consortium of partners who can work together to develop scalable solutions for any scenario.
Project goal
The goal of the 27 Charging Hubs Challenge is to develop efficient, sustainable, and scalable charging hubs for electric vehicles. The project explores innovative solutions such as hydrogen generators and smart energy management to tackle challenges like grid congestion and legal barriers.
Project phase
The project is currently in its design and finding the boundary conditions phase, with the focus now on identifying the most suitable location for the charging hubs. The coalition of partners is strong, allowing them to collaboratively define and implement the next steps.
What is the goal of the project?
The project aims to establish high-performance charging hubs that not only meet current charging demands but also serve as a blueprint for future locations within and beyond Amsterdam. In addition, concrete action points are being implemented, including quick scans and the development of a joint value proposition.
What is the result of the project?
This challenge is a collaborative initiative involving Resourcefully, Vattenfall, the Municipality of Amsterdam and SPIE. Together, they are conducting feasibility studies, designing technical solutions, and exploring funding opportunities to ensure the successful implementation of the charging hubs.
2024
In 2024, three sessions were held with the involved parties to explore possibilities and determine the next steps. Session 1 started with a large group, while Session 3 was conducted with a slightly smaller group to facilitate a faster transition to concrete actions.
Session 1: The first session focused on exploring different perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats method. Key questions included: What is needed? (White Hats), What are the obstacles? (Black Hats), and what sparks enthusiasm? (Yellow Hats). Challenges such as grid congestion, legal barriers, and collaboration complexities emerged, alongside opportunities like innovative solutions such as hydrogen generators and scalability beyond Amsterdam.
Session 2: The second session introduced relevant examples of similar collaborations, from which key principles for cooperation in this challenge were distilled. Additionally, the initial findings of a quick scan were explored.
Session 3: In the third session, a smaller group refined the ideas further, leading to concrete action points for each organization. These included developing a joint value proposition and conducting quick scans at selected locations.
Significant progress has been made in the sessions, defining key action points:
Quick scans: Energy profiles of buildings are being mapped, with Osdorpplein as the pilot location. This is executed by Resourcefully.
User profiles: Mobility data is being collected to assess charging needs and develop suitable solutions. This task is led by Vattenfall, Resourcefully, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. It is still under review whether an NDA is required.
Physical preconditions: Available parking options around Osdorpplein in Amsterdam, including the parking garage and spaces near the municipal entrance, are being analysed by SPIE and the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Seed budget: Funding opportunities for an initial budget are being explored, a task assigned to Amsterdam InChange and SPIE.
Who initiated the project and which organizations are involved?
The project was initiated by SPIE. The following organizations are involved:
Resourcefully, Vattenfall and the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Next Steps
SPIE and Vattenval will check out the most interesting locations in Amsterdam to see where a pilot could be started.