Energy and Climate

Reliable Metrology for a Successful Energy Transition

VSL helps governments, grid operators, industry and technology companies with solutions that make the energy transition measurable, controllable and verifiable.

Introduction

Confidence in the Energy System

 

The Netherlands aims to be climate neutral by 2050. That requires not just new forms of energy, but above all control over quantities, quality and emissions. How much electricity do wind and solar farms really deliver? What is the energy content of green gases such as hydrogen, LNG or biomethane? How accurately are CO₂ and methane emissions measured against international agreements?

At the same time, pressure on the electricity grid is increasing. Local generation, large‑scale charging of electric vehicles and new large consumers are causing grid congestion. Without reliable data on power quality, loading and losses, steering for stability and investment becomes a gamble instead of an informed choice.

Would you like to know more about our services?

Our experts are happy to help.

Michael van Schaik
Sr. Accountmanager

vsl@vsl.nl

The Role of Metrology in the Energy Transition

 

Metrology provides the foundation for every measurement in the energy system. With a consistent chain of measurement standards, calibrations and uncertainty analyses, a kilowatt‑hour, cubic metre or kilogram of hydrogen means the same thing everywhere and results are comparable internationally.

For the energy transition, this means:

  • Clear references for the composition and energy content of energy gases such as hydrogen, LNG, biomethane and CO₂.
  • Accurate power and energy measurements for transformers, charging infrastructure and grid components.
  • Reliable measurements of emissions and greenhouse gases to underpin policy, ETS reporting and climate targets.
  • Validation of digital models and sensor networks used for grid monitoring and forecasting grid congestion.

How VSL Supports Energy and Climate

 

VSL combines fundamental metrological research with practical services for stakeholders across the entire energy chain – from production and import to distribution, storage and end use.

This includes, for example:

  • Calibration of energy meters, power analysers and measurement chains, both in the laboratory and on‑site at high‑voltage installations and charging hubs.
  • A mobile calibration facility for hydrogen to test and calibrate dispensers and filling stations under real operating conditions.
  • Calibration and test facilities for LNG, including reference materials for composition and energy content.
  • Development of new measurement standards and reference materials for hydrogen, biomethane and CO₂, in close cooperation with European partners and Dutch industry.
  • Validation of algorithms and data analysis techniques for grid monitoring, for example around grid congestion and power quality.

Building a Measurable Energy Transition Together

 

Do you want to know whether your measurements are ready for tomorrow’s energy market? Or do you want your new technology to be validated metrologically before you scale up? VSL is involved from the first concept through to operational calibrations and quality plans.

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