Reconstructions
As the administrator of the national high-voltage grid, TenneT is responsible for the supply of electricity in the Netherlands. For this purpose, TenneT maintains and manages the sections of the grid with a voltage level of 110,000 Volts (110 kV) and higher. Moreover, the grid is expanded where necessary, for instance to supply new regions with electricity or to connect new power plants. TenneT performs all these activities through projects with a joint value of hundreds of millions of euros per year.
Apart from these activities TenneT also works on the reconstruction of existing connections. This concerns the relocation or modification of existing connections upon request from stakeholders, for example project developers or municipal authorities wishing to use the space near existing high-voltage connections for housing developments.
TenneT regularly receives requests for modifications to the existing grid. TenneT’s Land Management department is the first point of contact in this regard. Representatives of this department consult with the parties involved regarding the situation and provide advice on the various options. A great deal of attention is also paid to the preconditions TenneT imposes on reconstructions.
Preconditions
It is not easy to modify high-voltage connections. There are several reasons for this:
Security of supply
High-voltage connections transmit huge quantities of electricity, which large areas or cities depend on. The power supply must be assured 24 hours a day. Reconstructions require large-scale works, which need to be carefully integrated into the high-voltage grid.
Space
Grid modifications can only be realised if they are physically feasible at the locations concerned. If a high-voltage line is relocated, for instance, sufficient space must be available at the new location for the realisation of the connection. The area in question must be suitable for the installation of high-voltage connections and it must be possible to obtain the necessary permits and corporate law agreements.
Activities
The works are often conducted on a large scale and are very costly. Working with high-voltage electricity requires specific technical knowledge.
Planning
The relocation activities must be performed by TenneT. They therefore need to fit in with TenneT’s project schedule. Projects which are important for the security of supply will always have the first priority.
Costs
All costs and risks of any modification of the existing grid will in principle be charged to the requesting party. It is TenneT’s duty to ensure that the existing high-voltage grid functions properly, while the requesting party will bear any additional modification costs.
For an impression of the work performed, watch the clip on reconstructions (in Dutch only). This clip explains the processes involved.
If you would like to know more, please contact TenneT via reconstructies@tennet.org.
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The costs depend to a large extent on the works to be performed. Completed reconstructions like pylon relocations and below-ground installations have cost millions of euros.
As the national grid administrator, TenneT is responsible for maintaining the high-voltage grid and ensuring that it functions properly. TenneT expands the grid where necessary and takes care of maintenance work. TenneT is not legally obligated to cooperate in reconstruction projects.
It is technically very difficult to realise 380-kV high-voltage connections below ground and therefore this is seen hardly anywhere in the world. In the Randstad region, TenneT is going to install a 20-kilometre section of a new connection below ground. The technical behaviour of this connection will be monitored by TenneT and experts from Delft University of Technology until 2015/2016. This should clarify whether it will be possible to install more connections below ground in the future.
High-voltage connections with a lower voltage (like 110 kV or 150 kV) are realised below ground more often. The costs of (the installation of) these cables are higher, the soil must be suitable and there must be sufficient space for the installation.
That depends on the situation. Modifications of the high-voltage grid require extensive preparation. Detailed research needs to be carried out to investigate the modifications, any temporary measures required, and the electrotechnical aspects of the proposed project. The construction activities themselves are performed in a logical and efficient sequence.
