Institutional dynamics and systemic intermediaries in the Dutch electrification transition: Navigating flexibility challenges

Abstract

This thesis examines how institutions and systemic intermediaries facilitate or hinder the development of flexibility in the Dutch electricity system. As electrification accelerates and grid congestion intensifies, flexibility is increasingly regarded as a prerequisite for reliable and sustainable system operation. However, the adoption of flexibility experiences drag, raising questions about the institutional and organisational dynamics at play. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on ten semi-structured interviews and document analysis to examine how actors perceive their roles and responsibilities. The analysis is guided by institutional theory, focusing on the regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive pillars, and the concept of systemic intermediaries as agents that facilitate alignment and learning in complex systems. The findings show that institutions create both enablers and barriers for flexible behaviour, with fragmented norms, ambiguous responsibilities, and outdated assumptions contributing to system lock-ins. While several actors engage in intermediary activities, no single organisation structurally embodies the systemic intermediary role as defined in the literature. This institutional ambiguity complicates collective action and limits systemic coordination. By integrating institutional theory and intermediary scholarship, the study contributes to understanding how flexibility governance unfolds within existing structures. It offers insights for transition governance, highlighting the need for clearer role definitions, shared narratives, and trusted intermediaries that can bridge institutional divides.