Corporate Social Responsibility

TenneT carries out a public task in a private-sector environment. We manage the Dutch high-voltage grid and make it available to parties in the energy market. Our society depends heavily on a good supply of energy. We take electricity for granted – we must be able to rely on it. Power outages are not only inconvenient, they also quickly cause unrest and considerable damage. After all, electricity has great added value in the economic process.

International electricity outage statistics show that the reliability in our region of Europe stands at a high level. It is imperative to maintain this quality, despite all the dynamics of the global and European energy markets. This means that TenneT is charged with a special responsibility. TenneT is aware of its responsibilities towards the environment and society at large and operates accordingly. We are continually developing internal and external initiatives that contribute towards socially responsible enterprise.

TenneT maintains close contacts with municipal and provincial authorities and environmental protection agencies. We want our activities to be well integrated into people’s living and working environment. Possible environmental effects are carefully mapped out in advance and discussed with the parties involved. Naturally, TenneT complies with all the applicable statutory requirements.

Electromagnetic fields

Electromagnetic (EM) fields are created during the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electricity. We cannot usually see or otherwise perceive these fields, but their strength can be measured. This strength of electromagnetic fields is referred to as ‘field intensity’. The field intensity depends on the voltage present (electrical field) or the electric current (magnetic field), but is also highly dependent on the distance between the field and the source. As with sources of heat, the greater the distance to the source, the lower the intensity of the electromagnetic field.

Research has shown that it is not very likely that EM fields are harmful to human health. However, some studies have found a weak statistical link between living near high-voltage lines and leukaemia in children. This does not mean that leukaemia in children is caused by high-voltage lines. It is more likely that the relationships found are caused by other factors. They can be the result of errors in exposure estimates or they can be purely coincidental, for instance. The Netherlands Health Council has also come to this conclusion.

The Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) publishes guidelines for areas near high-voltage lines. These guidelines stipulate that no homes or businesses may be built within a certain zone around a high-voltage line. In 2005 the Ministry further tightened these guidelines for electromagnetic fields. As TenneT is charged with implementing government policy, we have duly informed local authorities and people living near high-voltage lines of these stricter VROM guidelines and how they should be applied to existing situations. Download the brochure on EM fields below; this brochure is only available in dutch.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

TenneT uses a number of hazardous substances in its high-voltage installations, in particular sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). We try to limit the use of these substances as much as possible. The toxic substance PCB has long been used in transformers. TenneT aims to clean or replace these transformers as quickly as possible. Use of the gas sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) allows TenneT to apply insulation more efficiently and to build more compact high?voltage installations. However, any escaped SF6 gas may damage the ozone layer. TenneT therefore handles this gas with the utmost of care.

Plant and animal life

TenneT’s policies with regard to plant and animal life form part of our environmental policy. We consult regularly with the organisations involved and try to integrate technology with the environment where possible. For example, we have installed nest boxes for peregrine falcons (an endangered species in the Netherlands) in the high‑voltage pylons between the towns of Diemen and Ens. 

It is not always possible to integrate electricity substations into the surroundings. TenneT tries to keep these stations out of sight by planting trees and shrubs around them. In doing so, we take the existing natural surroundings into account.

Noise

Transformers, ventilators and switches produce noise. TenneT tries to prevent noise nuisance that may affect people living near our installations. We adhere to the applicable noise standards. In some cases we take far‑reaching noise protection measures to achieve this goal, such as installing noise screens. We take account of the noise level when purchasing new equipment.

Safe working conditions

TenneT is continually taking initiatives to achieve the safest possible working conditions. Since 2005, the Transmission Operations business unit has been certified according to the VCA Contractors’ Safety Checklist, a list of guidelines relating to occupational health and safety and the environment.

Downloads

Text Electric and magnetic fields (pdf 69,49 Kb)