Dutch grid operator taps Alfen for infrastructure expansion helping the Netherlands achieve net zero targets

To align with the vision for a climate-neutral Europe, the Netherlands set 2050 as its target to achieve net zero carbon emissions. This goal will require significant investment in the Dutch grid infrastructure, through both new connections and network upgrades, by operators such as Enexis Groep. Their most recent contribution to this effort includes support from Alfen’s Smart Grid Solutions (SGS) team, which is helping Enexis strengthen a 10,000-volt network that serves the community of Deventer’s 100,000+ residents.  

Challenge 

As the energy transition in the Netherlands accelerates, it is becoming increasingly apparent that dramatic expansion of the country’s grid network is required. A combination of growing energy demand and expanding supply of renewable power sources are creating strain on the Dutch grid which, at times, causes blackouts in certain areas of the country. This trend was emphasized by the Netherlands' Climate and Energy Policy Minister Rob Jetten in an October 2023 letter to the Dutch Parliament. In the letter, Jetten noted: 

"Electricity grids cannot keep up with this pace of energy transition, despite significant investments by network operators of more than Eur5 billion this year." 

With the installation of nearly 2,200 MW of new grid connections in 2023 alone, Enexis is making a major contribution to the Netherlands’ grid expansion efforts. And with each new grid connection, additional substation infrastructure is needed to help deliver that incremental power. That’s where our Alfen team is stepping in.  

Solution 

In the fledgling city of Deventer, Enexis is upgrading grid infrastructure in anticipation of continued growth across the community, which recently surpassed the milestone of 100,000 permanent residents. The grid operator tapped Alfen to deliver and install a pre-fabricated, walk-in Transport Verdeel transformer substation, which was customized according to requirements requested by Enexis. This effort featured using a massive 41-meter high crane to install the nearly 82-ton structure.   

The project builds on Alfen’s ongoing partnership with Enexis. Our SGS team has installed more than 50 substations to support Enexis’ grid expansion projects since 2022. 

“Alfen’s team did a good job of planning out this project in a timely manner, and remained flexible when we needed to make changes,” said Pieter Verhoeven, environment manager for Enexis. “This latest project in Deventer highlights the great partnership our teams share in our dedication to strengthening the Dutch grid.”