Demand for connections remains exceptionally high

21-12-2009 The joint grid operators have submitted a proposal for amendment of the Grid Code based on the Ministerial Decree. The proposal is aimed at providing the existing grid with more capacity. After the Grid Code takes effect, there will be more ‘room’ on the grid because the existing infrastructure will be used more intensively. Grid expansion and extra transmission capacity is required in order to be able to adequately meet the high demand for transmission capacity. The latest TenneT figures indicate a national demand of 32 GW (32,000 MW). This demand is not just linked to plans for the construction of new production capacity; nationwide, more than 9,000 MW of new production capacity is actually being constructed at this time.

At the end of April, the House of Representatives of the Dutch Parliament adopted the Ministerial Decree which was submitted by the Minister of Economic Affairs in late 2008. Under the current regulatory framework, there is a shortage of transmission capacity at several locations on the national transmission grid. Adoption of the Ministerial Decree will create more opportunities for grid operators to provide transmission capacity, thus safeguarding the continued security of supply on the grid.

The adoption of the Ministerial Decree will create more opportunities for grid operators to provide transmission capacity in order to facilitate the production of electricity. In addition, the Minister is helping to create a level playing field within the industry for existing producers and newcomers alike. The new arrangements will provide market parties with clarity about the transmission capacity they require. Now that the Ministerial Decree has been adopted, the Grid Code will also require amendment. This will create a legal framework offering the opportunity for TenneT to make better use of the available grid capacity. TenneT has since submitted the required code proposals. These codes provide a more detailed elaboration of the general regulations contained in the Ministerial Decree. Key points for attention include better information provision by producers and consumers to grid operators, particularly with regard to forecasted electricity transmissions, and increasing the capacity that grid operators can use to resolve any congestions more efficiently.

Persistently high demand for connections; TenneT gives insight into available capacity
The demand for transmission capacity remains exceedingly high. The latest TenneT figures indicate a national demand in excess of 32 GW (32,000 MW). This demand is not just linked to plans for the construction of new production capacity; nationwide, more than 9,000 MW of new production capacity will actually be constructed within the next few years. Furthermore, several interconnections (i.e. the BritNed cable and the Doetinchem-Wesel interconnection) are currently being realised. Together, these account for approx. 2,000 MW of capacity. Plans for offshore wind farms are not taken into consideration at this time, although the Dutch government would like to construct enough offshore wind farms to supply 6,000 MW of new capacity.

TenneT hard at work on new connections
In addition to all the service requests, extensive work is being carried out on new connections. Below is a short list indicating the current status of these connections:

In the west of the Netherlands, TenneT will commence work in 2010 on the southern connection (the South Ring) of the Randstad 380 kV project. This project is scheduled for completion in 2011. Together with grid modifications in the region, the South Ring will be fully ready by 2012.
In the north and southwest of the country, planning procedures have begun on two new 380 kV connections that will link up Eemshaven and Borssele respectively. The initial memoranda regarding these lines have been published and since then the first public information and consultation rounds have taken place.
The initial memorandum for the new cross-border interconnection between Doetinchem and Wesel has also been published.
In the north of the Netherlands, TenneT has made a start on planning procedures for the construction of three new high-voltage substations and connections in the Noordoostpolder area and in Drenthe province. Among other purposes, these connections will link wind farms and horticultural businesses to the grid.