The expansion projects of the high -voltage network in Brabant take much longer than planned. The aggravation and expansion in Waalwijk and Wijchen are delayed from two to four years. As a result, two thousand companies and large consumers that are on the waiting list for a new or heavier connection can only be connected much later. Some even only in 2033.
“It is mainly wind or solar parks, but also large companies that are the victims of the delays,” says Itske van Lith van TenneT. “The delay of several years is caused by much longer delivery times of parts such as transformers. There is a high demand for these types of components worldwide because of the energy transition, and therefore a shortage has arisen.”
“In addition, there is a lot of resistance among local residents, which means that the procedures take extra time. That is a big disappointment, because the impact is enormous for our customers.”
Together with Itske we walk across the site of the new high -voltage project on the De Spinder business park, north of Tilburg. Here are three large transformers and a reserve field for a fourth. This station will be the junction in the energy supply for the region and connects the new high -voltage connection between Borssele and Tilburg to the rural network. “Fortunately, everything goes according to plan,” she says.
“The extra pressure has partly robbed us.”
“Companies and consumers are going to use more and more power. They want to get rid of the gas, start electric driving and more sustainable with solar panels and windmills. That is why we are converting and expanding the power grid. But unfortunately that is all less likely than the energy transition,” Itske explains.
“The war in Ukraine has also caused an accelerated demand for alternatives to gas. That extra pressure has partly robbed us.”
The total conversion and expansion of the power grid in the Netherlands is expected to cost around 195 billion euros until 2040. For small consumers. Like private individuals, there is no problem for the time being. The construction of (often gasless) new -build homes is also not in danger. These houses just get a connection and solar panels can also be placed by private individuals.
The first project that is completed is the expansion of the high -voltage station in Geertruidenberg. There will also be electricity land from the wind farms at sea. “If that is ready in 2026, we can connect the first companies on the waiting list in West Brabant,” Itske continues.
“After this, when this station is ready in Tilburg, it will be the turn of the companies and large consumers in the middle of the province. The east of the province is therefore delayed, it can take until 2033 before anyone who is now on the waiting list can be connected.”
“We have spent ten years of preparation time in this plan.”
In and around Tilburg the residents notice that a lot of work needs to be done, Roel Jannink, project leader of the construction area De Spinder. “Cables have to be drilled through the ground north of Tilburg and new high-voltage pylons are being built in various places. Everything with 380 kilovolts of electricity goes through the air to cables, and the 150 Kilovolt connections pass through the ground.” Those underground cables go to transformerstations in Tilburg-West and Tilburg-Noord.
Although there is a lot of delay in other projects, the construction of the new complex on the Spinder is planned. “I am quite proud of that,” says Roel. “We have spent ten years of preparation time in this plan before the first shovel went into the ground here. The project is six and a half hectares in size, that is thirteen football fields. It is all necessary because we are consuming more and more power together.”
Do you want to see with your own eyes how the construction work is progressing? On Saturday, June 21, the construction site of the new high -voltage station on industrial estate De Spinder in Tilburg will be open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
