News item | 25-04-2025 | 15:12
The power grid must be extensively expanded. That is to switch to clean energy up close and to become less dependent on abroad, for a strong industry that can make it more sustainable here and to provide all new homes with electricity. That is why Minister Hermans, in collaboration with national network operator Tennet, is now coming to a lot of a package of measures to significantly shorten the lead times for expanding the high -voltage network.
Minister Hermans (climate and green growth): “Expanding the power grid is desperately needed. The procedures and preparations to build the power grid take far too long. That can and must be shorter. That is why we take measures to shorten it considerably and together with the network operators and the co -governments we ensure acceleration with the most urgent projects.”
More control on most urgent projects
Both the (regional) governments and national network operator Tennet will jointly speed up the working method. With the new approach, the approximately 25 most urgent projects to expand the high -voltage network decide faster which government will be responsible for the permit grant (the competent authority). These projects are often complex and now require a lot of expertise and capacity of municipalities. The government therefore wants to invest responsibility more often with the province or the central government. At the start, the central government makes clear agreements with the network operator (s) and co -authorities on rapid decision -making and the use of gears.
Approach for shorter procedures
With an approach for shorter procedures, the government will adjust legislation and regulations to remove bottlenecks and shorten the lead times. Examples are faster (vocational) procedures, deleting a permit requirement for minor extensions of energy stations and less repetition of research. In addition, the ‘Flying Brigade’ is expanded to help co -authorities grant complex permits. € 22.5 million is available for this.
Money for municipalities where a lot comes together
The cabinet makes € 197 million available for investments in areas where many national high -voltage infrastructure come together. Municipalities can use this to invest in the quality of the living environment. This contributes to local support and the occurrence of a delay.
Optimizing Tennet working method
Tennet will thoroughly revise her working method to make more speed. By allowing different steps and investigations to run simultaneously and to standardize more, the network operator can accelerate the lead times for more than a year.
Together with network operators, provinces and municipalities, the central government will work with the around 25 most urgent projects to tackle the problems with the full power grid. The new working method will then be expanded step by step.