TenneT signs framework agreement with three partners for 110 and 150 kV GIS installations
Today, we signed a framework agreement with Siemens Energy, Hitachi Energy and GE Vernova for the supply of 110 kV and 150 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) installations. The agreement has a total contract value of €180 million. This contract sum is mainly for new 150 kV switching stations in the Amsterdam area and the Rotterdam port area. The expansion of the electricity grid is highly needed to meet the rapidly increasing demand for new and heavier connections.
Last updated
05/07/2024
Within the framework agreement, the partners will provide services in the areas of design and engineering, transport of the installations, construction of the switching installations up to and including operational delivery and acceptance tests. Some 16 GIS stations are expected to be delivered within the framework agreement. The fixed term of the contract is two years with three options for extension of another year. The partners have been selected according to a so-called tender under accreditation scheme where the technical content scope has been outlined in advance with qualified partners.
"For the construction of new stations, a GIS installation can be delivered per project from this new framework agreement in the coming years. This provides TenneT with an average reduction in lead time of 6 to 8 months compared to the current method of tendering"
explains Sjouke Bootsma, director of Supply Chain Management.
Standardisation
for greater efficiency
With this framework agreement, the parties underline a long-term commitment to each other so that synergy benefits can be maximised. "In the framework agreement, we put a strong focus on standardisation, which provides efficiency benefits in numerous areas," says Frank Wester, director Grid Field Operations Netherlands at TenneT. "The GIS installations will be designed and built according to uniform specifications. This can speed up the design as well as the construction and installation of stations. A standardised and uniform design and layout of stations also ensures greater efficiency in the licensing phase of the project and in the later operations & maintenance phase".
Expand network capacity
within limited space in environment
With the security of committed suppliers, equipment and specialist knowledge in the field of GIS installations, TenneT can build this type of switching stations faster than before in the coming years. Space to expand the high-voltage grid with new high-voltage substations is limited in many places in the Dutch Randstad region. Compact GIS stations are then a suitable alternative to a regular high-voltage substation with an open air switching station (AIS station).
Engineering capacity
efficient use of scarce people and resources
Within the multi-year cooperation, TenneT and the contract partners leverage each other's knowledge and experience. Wester:
"Both TenneT and our partners are facing a shortage of engineering capacity. Thanks to this framework agreement, we can use our scarce people and resources more efficiently".
In addition, standardisation is also expected to reduce the amount of engineering work required per project.