TenneT backs up Eemshaven electricity grid with new high-voltage substation

TenneT backs up Eemshaven electricity grid with new high-voltage substation

With an installed capacity of approximately 8,000 MW, Eemshaven is a major energy port, and the expected increase in sustainably produced electricity from offshore wind farms and solar energy will only increase this immense figure. In order to ‘dispose of’ all this electricity on the network, the transport capacity will need to be further expanded, despite the presence of various high and medium voltage stations in Eemshaven. High-voltage grid manager TenneT has therefore started the construction of the new Eemshaven Midden high-voltage substation on the far west side of Eemshaven. This is already the fourth station in Eemshaven and the first in what is known as the ‘Westlob’ of the port.

Groningen Seaports is pleased to see that TenneT – in conjunction with Enexis – is investing in the necessary expansion of transport capacity. Not only to connect the newly produced energy to the regional and national electricity grid, but also because it enhances the security of supply of renewable energy. This development is of paramount importance for the establishment of data centres, for example. The west side of the port will also become more attractive for business locations, as companies will have lower connection costs due to the shorter distance to the new high-voltage substation.

Commissioner Nienke Homan gives the green light

On Friday 8 February, Nienke Homan, Member of Groningen’s Provincial Executive for Energy and Energy Transition, gave the green light for the construction of the completely new 110 kV high-voltage substation Eemshaven Midden. She did this by pouring the first floor section of the new high-voltage substation together with representatives of TenneT, Enexis Netbeheer and contractor Omexom.

High-voltage substation Eemshaven Midden

The new high-voltage substation is needed for the transport of sustainable electricity in and around Eemshaven and will be connected to the existing Eemshaven-Robbenplaat high-voltage substation by means of a 7-kilometre-long underground cable connection to the regional and national electricity grid. In the coming years more and more wind turbines and solar farms will be arriving in the area, which will greatly increase the need for transport capacity. Eemshaven already offers a guaranteed supply of green energy, ample electrical capacity, a number of large power stations and several high and medium voltage substations. The arrival of the Eemshaven Midden station will further strengthen Eemshaven’s position as an energy port.

Nienke Homan, Member of Groningen’s Provincial Executive for Energy and Energy Transition, gave the green light for the construction of the completely new 110 kV high-voltage substation Eemshaven Midden (Photo Koos Boertjens)