The Netherlands – TenneT has inked a significant multi-year contract, known as the Corporate Framework Agreement, with eight key partners. The collective objective: to construct onshore high-voltage AC connections ranging from 110 kV to 380 kV.

TenneT’s ambitious plan to add approximately 900 km of high-voltage in Germany and around 4,000 km in the Netherlands underscores its unwavering commitment to fortify the grid. With an estimated contract value of €1.5 billion, evenly divided between the two countries, this venture exemplifies TenneT’s role as a crucial facilitator in the clean energy transition.

Speed and efficiency

Transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewables comes with a surge in energy demand and the need for a more resilient grid. TenneT recognizes this challenge and has set its sights on streamlining project execution while maintaining quality. By establishing a long-term partnership with key contract partners, TenneT aims to foster innovative approaches and swift deliveries, particularly in times of capacity scarcity.

Within this framework, suppliers gain visibility into future projects, facilitating smart stock management and optimized production processes. This innovative approach minimizes lead times and expedites project completion, with potential time savings of up to six months for cable deliveries. Additionally, standardizing tendering processes yields an average time savings of three months.

Advancements in technology

TenneT’s foresight extends beyond infrastructure expansion. Long-term partnerships enable collaborative innovation, allowing the development of enhanced materials and optimized designs. The result: the potential to lay longer cables in one piece, some up to 5,000 meters long, a substantial leap from the current standard of around 1,500 meters. Notably, this innovation translates to reduced environmental impact during construction and enhanced grid reliability.

Furthermore, advancements in cable installation techniques, such as drilling, are poised to revolutionize the efficiency of cable laying, reducing disruption and accelerating progress. The forthcoming years will witness a transformative evolution in power infrastructure, a testament to TenneT’s dedication to shaping a greener energy future.