During the budget meeting on Monday afternoon, the Wakker Emmen faction strongly criticized the significant delay in the construction of the high-voltage substation of grid operator Tennet on the Boerdijk near Veenoord.
Councilor Dennis Dekker of Wakker Emmen called the course of events ‘disturbing and actually unacceptable’. According to Dekker, the municipality of Emmen has accelerated all procedures, granted permits and made land available to make the construction of the station possible. Dekker: “But just when Emmen has fulfilled its obligations, we hear that delivery is not expected until 2031, or even 2033.”
The high-voltage station is part of Tennet’s billion-dollar investment to provide more air on the overcrowded power grid in the Netherlands. In addition to new construction projects, companies in particular have an interest in space on the grid. The delay could represent a significant brake on the energy transition in Emmen and surrounding municipalities. Numerous projects by companies, housing associations and energy cooperatives may be at risk of coming to a standstill.
During the round of questions, Dekker lashed out at Tennet, saying that the delay was partly explained by the fact that the building permit became irrevocable earlier than expected. “A windfall in the legal proceedings now becomes an excuse to accept a three to five year delay,” he said. “That is not force majeure, that is an incorrect assessment and inadequate risk management. And that should not be passed on to Emmen.”
Together with the PvdA and VVD factions, Wakker Emmen asked the council a series of questions. The parties want to know, among other things, when Tennet knew internally that the delay was coming, and why the municipality was not informed about this earlier. And whether the council is prepared to hold Tennet and Enexis liable for economic damage in the region.
Wakker Emmen will therefore submit a motion later today together with the rest of the council with a call to action. The council, together with the province, the neighboring municipality of Coevorden and the regional business community, must make a stand towards Tennet, Enexis and the government.
Councilor Guido Rink said he was unpleasantly surprised by the delay. Last week he sat down with colleague Pascal Schrik at Tennet to get a story. The municipality cannot be blamed in this case, as it has given extra effort to complete all procedures quickly. “Tennet thought it would take longer. That’s why they didn’t have the people and the contractor available in time.” There were extensive consultations last week, says Rink.
The aim was to accelerate construction where possible. “We are aiming for 2029-2031 for delivery. Emmen will make extra efforts on this, according to Rink. Rink cannot yet say whether Emmen will recover the costs of possible damage from Tennet. Research into the possible consequences of the delay is first necessary, according to the councilor.