Ministry of Economic Affairs and TenneT investigate three routes for new 380 kV high-voltage connections

For projects of national importance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is responsible for the procedure leading to a project decision (projectbesluit). The Minister for Climate and Energy has now approved the research plans (Notitie Reikwijdte en Detailniveau) for three new 380 kV connections:

• Between the north and west of the Netherlands for connections between Vierverlaten (Groningen) and Ens (Noordoostpolder); and between Ens and Diemen (Noord-Holland).
• And in the south-west of the Netherlands for a link between Krimpen or (Crayestein, South Holland) and Geertruidenberg (North Brabant).  

Research plans 

The plans include the scope and level of detail of the studies for the various projects: and also which alternatives will be studied, compared and weighed against each other. Before the research plans were adopted, alternatives were tested and draft plans were available for consultation and reaction. 

To and from Ens in the Noordoostpolder

The Ens high-voltage substation is connected to the national 380 kV main grid, which connects the entire Dutch electricity network. The proposed 380 kV line between the high-voltage substations at Vierverlaten (near Groningen) and Ens is completely new.  The line from Ens to Diemen (near Amsterdam) is an addition to the existing 380 kV line, which now runs largely along the A6 via Lelystad and through Almere. As a matter of principle, TenneT installs 380 kV connections above ground.

Vierverlaten - Ens

Five alternatives are being studied for the Vierverlaten-Ens line, which could be combined to form a new connection. Depending on the final choice, the connection will be 100 to 120 kilometres long. In any case, all the alternatives will run along (or near) the Heerenveen Oudehaske high-voltage substation. 

Ten years ago, the Ministry and TenneT stopped the procedure for a similar new connection through Friesland. At that time there was already a preferred alternative, a line parallel to the existing 220 kV connection. The preferred alternative is now one of the alternatives to be studied. The big difference is that in the plans at the time, the 220 kV connection would disappear once the 380 kV connection was in operation. Now TenneT sees the 380 kV connection as an addition to the existing 220 kV connection.

Read more about this project: www.tennet.eu/vierverlaten-ens

Diemen - Ens

The environmental impact study for this (additional) connection between Ens, Lelystad and Diemen still covers a large number of possible research alternatives. 

This includes the location of high-voltage substations, including a new high-voltage substation to be built near Almere-Zeewolde and the high-voltage substation to be extended - with or without new construction - near the Maxima power station to the east of Lelystad. The connection of the electricity highway network to these two high-voltage substations is a prerequisite for the functioning of the electricity grid in this rapidly developing part of the Netherlands. 

Read more about this project: www.tennet.eu/diemen-ens

Between Geertruidenberg-Krimpen aan den IJssel of Crayestein

TenneT also wants to build an additional connection between the Geertruidenberg high-voltage substation and the high-voltage substation near Krimpen aan den IJssel or Crayestein (near Dordrecht). The research plan contains 10 alternatives. The research will also look at which high-voltage substation should provide the connection to Geertruidenberg.
Read more about this project: Geertruidenberg - Krimpen aan den IJssel of Crayestein (tennet.eu)

Preferred decisions expected in 2025

The Minister of Climate and Energy will weigh up a preferred alternative for each individual project based on the results of the studies and a comprehensive impact analysis that includes economic, technical, environmental and cost considerations. The Minister will seek the advice of the region. The preferred alternatives are then made available to the public for comment (zienswijzen) before the Minister makes a final decision.