Transmission operator TenneT has outlined investments totalling €6bn over the next 10 years to upgrade the Dutch grid and cross-border links.
Approximately €2bn will be spent to connect almost 3.5GW of new offshore wind capacity off the Dutch coast.
A further €4bn is to be invested onshore, with 70% going to expand the grid, 20% to upgrade existing infrastructure and 10% for what is termed “other investments”.
TenneT said an improved grid is needed because of booming onshore and offshore wind and solar developments in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries.
Planned developments between the Netherlands and other countries include: a 2.4GW link with Belgium from 2019; the 700MW Cobra cable to Denmark in 2020; 2.45GW and 4.25GW links to Germany also in 2020; the 1GW BritNed cable to the UK; and the 700MW NorNed link to Norway.
TenneT said it is also committed to collaborate with other grid operators in Europe as much as possible to create at a single integrated Northwest European energy market.
The company is researching ways to improve part of the Dutch grid, which, it said, assessments show will be insufficient to meet demand after 2025.
Image: TenneT
TenneT outlines €6bn spend
TSO highlights future investments in Dutch grid and cross-border links
By EBS