Grid operator TenneT has found 46 megawatts of extra capacity on the high-voltage grid in Drenthe. This is about 20 percent of the total electricity demand in the region.
In November last year it appeared that the maximum capacity of the Drenthe high-voltage grid was approaching. This is partly due to the fact that new companies are establishing themselves in the region and existing companies are expanding. Moreover, many companies are making their processes more sustainable by switching to electricity.
TenneT has therefore asked large-scale consumers, for a fee, to look at options for shifting their electricity consumption during ‘peak hours’ to quieter times. Four major users indicated that they were in favor of this scheme.
With the capacity released, large consumers who were on a waiting list can use the electricity grid. Demand from large-scale consumers is currently so great that the maximum capacity of the regional grid will soon be reached again.
Together with the regional network operators Enexis and Rendo, TenneT is looking to further expand the capacity of the network. Work is currently underway on the expansion of the Assen Zeijerveen electricity substation. In 2026, the capacity should be increased from 230 to 570 megawatts.
New high-voltage substations are also being built at Veenoord, Musselkanaal, Meppel, Hoogeveen and Wijster.