Grid operator TenneT reaches agreement with construction companies to expand power grid

Grid operator TenneT has entered into a cooperation agreement with various construction companies. BAM, Stratton, and VolkerWessels will conduct supporting work for the expansion of the electricity grid over the next few years. The contract for the construction companies has a maximum value of 2.5 billion euros.

These companies will support the expansion of the overhead high-voltage network and perform the work necessary to execute these projects. For example, they will place work routes towards locations with high-voltage pylons. The contract also entails the construction of the foundations for more than 1,500 masts.

TenneT reported that high-voltage power lines need to eventually be able to transport at least 30 percent more electricity to prevent bottlenecks. Around 600 kilometers of high-voltage lines will be upgraded, and approximately 400 kilometers of lines will be added in the next ten years.

“The fast growth of the number of windmills and solar panels and further increase in demand of electricity through sustainability of the industrial sector, companies, and consumers requires a quick expansion of the transport network,” the grid operator explained.

This is why TenneT will invest 60 billion euros in the Dutch high-voltage grid over the next ten years.