TenneT – Dutch-German grid operator with common name
30-06-2010
• Two grid operators – one name
• establishment of a single entity with a recognisable and future-oriented identity in Autumn 2010
• Company to focus on development of north-west European electricity market
Operating under the TenneT name, the first cross-border electricity transmission operator of its kind will focus on the continued development of the north-west European electricity market over the coming years. The new joint company, which came into being following TenneT’s recent acquisition of the German high-voltage grid operator transpower stromübertragungs gmbh, will take a leading role in Europe, concerning itself primarily with enhancing the security of supply, ensuring greater price stability, pursuing innovation, and promoting sustainable development in Europe. The company is responsible for more than 20,000 kilometres of high-voltage connections in a supply area that is home to over 35 million people. TenneT currently employs over 1,700 staff. The head office is located in Arnhem (the Netherlands), with several branches throughout the Netherlands and Germany.
International strategy
TenneT is managed by a Board of Management, which is supervised by a Supervisory Board. In the past few months, both Boards with their Dutch and German members have taken on an international character in order to meet TenneT’s international strategy. “As the first cross-border Transmission System Operator, TenneT’s main task will be to further develop the north-west European energy market”, said TenneT CEO Mel Kroon. “This strategy is in line with the ambitions that have already been given concrete shape over the past few years in the form of international projects and joint ventures. TenneT will be able to work effectively on necessary investments such as developing the North Sea as an energy source, and the desired development of its grid as Europe’s power hub.”
Development of name and house style
International emphasis and allure are indicative of the new look and feel of the company, with recognisable elements playing a key role. This will create a new identity, showing the scale and ambitions of the company effectively as well as representing the core business. Operating under the TenneT name, the first cross-border electricity transmission operator of its kind will project a sense of unity. As such, we have chosen ‘Taking power further’ as our pay-off. The TenneT name is familiar and trusted in the European market and maintains an international look and feel. At the same time, it is a name that stands for innovation and continuity. The new house style applied to the Dutch-German organisation will be developed further over the coming period and introduced in the autumn of 2010.
First concrete results from cooperation
Cooperation between TenneT and transpower has continued to intensify over the past period. The first joint purchasing deal of a number of transformers intended for both Germany and the Netherlands has now begun.
There are also advanced plans for joint system operations. Joint purchasing of regulating and reserve capacity will lead to considerable savings. The aim is to save between 22 and 27 million euro as of 2011 and approximately 40 million per year from 2014 onwards.
It has also been agreed that, as part of the integration process, several sections of the company will be free to work together more intensively. This means that there will be a common department dedicated to offshore energy and a joint approach will be taken towards all international cable projects. TenneT is investing billions in upgrading and expanding the high-voltage grids in the Netherlands and Germany over the coming years.
