Maintenance projects

During the coming period, TenneT will carry out maintenance projects such as:

Retrofit programme

In the 150 kV grid (The Hague and surrounding area), TenneT will replace old power cut‑out switches with a new custom‑made type. This will enable us to extend the installations’ useful life by thirty years. The renovation coincides with the replacement of control and security cabinets. Since 2005, we have been working on the renovation of the Dordrecht Merwedehaven substation, which will be finished in mid‑2007. In mid‑2006, we will start renovating the Alblasserdam substation. The total retrofit programme will be completed in 2010.

Fall protection

The fall protection project is a long‑term project to realise safer working conditions for employees who work on high‑voltage pylons. We are providing all pylons with a special fall protection system so that our staff will always be able to go up and down the pylons attached by a safety harness. A large number of pylons were fitted with fall protection systems in 2005. By early 2007, all pylons will have been fitted with these systems.

Renovation of the Rotterdam Waalhaven substation

The Rotterdam Waalhaven substation has been gradually upgraded from a minor substation to a state‑of‑the‑art switching hub. Its capacity has almost doubled. The most important intervention entailed the division of the backbone into a northern and a southern arm.

The actual project was completed in the summer of 2005, yet we have continued to make further adjustments. During the second half of 2005, we renovated four more fields. We also made preparations for the upgrading of three fields towards Krimpen substation, which TenneT will carry out during 2006.

Noise reduction at Leiden substation

Urban renewal activities are taking place in the area around Leiden substation. New buildings are being erected right next to the substation. We therefore need to comply with the increased environmental requirements and take measures to limit the noise pollution caused by the transformers. We will achieve this by making structural adjustments and fitting the transformers with quieter fans. The modifications will be completed during the course of 2006.