The Smart Beach Grid from the Living Lab Scheveningen has reached the final of the Government Innovation of the Year competition. Out of sixty entries, The Hague is among the top three finalists.
Successful pitch during the Dragon’s Den in Utrecht
On Friday, 19 September, colleagues Ricardo de Roos, Bart van Velthoven, and Patrick Segeren, together with Stedin and Hans van den Broek from beach pavilion The Shore, pitched the project during a Dragon’s Den event in Utrecht. The jury was convinced and awarded he Smart Beach Grid a place in the final.
Energy of the Future
The Smart Beach Grid is entering a phase where the innovation is actively working in practice. The local energy network connects sustainable electricity from beach pavilions to the event area and the new Harbour Control Centre.Using digital technologies, the system keeps energy supply and demand in balance. This reduces pressure on the overloaded power grid, makes better use of locally generated renewable energy, and allows events and facilities to be powered in a more sustainable way.
Proud of the Recognition
The project has received national recognition through its nomination for the Government Innovation of the Year award. This highlights how The Hague is taking the lead in applying smart and sustainable innovations. There is also international attention: this year, the municipality is a finalist for the European Commission’s iCapital Award.
Final in The Hague
In October, the jury will visit the project. The winner of the Government Innovation of the Year will be announced on 27 November at the Koninklijke Schouwburg in The Hague.
About the Award
The Government Innovation of the Year award is an initiative of the Association for Public Management (VOM). Its goal is to highlight initiatives that create social value within public administration. The award also promotes transparency and knowledge sharing by showcasing successful examples across the public sector.