Almere, the Netherlands, 26 October 2026 – Alfen, a leading European energy solutions provider, has completed the Ulrum substation in the province of Groningen for Enexis, a Dutch distribution system operator (DSO). It is Alfen and Enexis’s first Transport Distribution and Control Station (TVRS3) and the largest modular configuration in Enexis’s grid expansion programme, which aims to build 800 new substations over eight years. Once operational in autumn 2027, the station will provide three times as much power as the station it replaces, giving the region more room on the grid. The Ulrum pilot marks the next step in the programme, validating a repeatable, prefabricated design for future grid expansion.

Alfen and Enexis celebrated the milestone at an official opening on 21 October, together with the municipality of Het Hogeland and the Province of Groningen, demonstrating their shared commitment to tackling grid congestion.

Enexis manages regional electricity and gas networks serving around three million homes and businesses across five Dutch provinces. Announced in 2025, its grid expansion programme aims to help meet growing electricity demand from electrification. By combining standardised designs and construction methods with prefabricated installations, Enexis and partners such as Alfen aim to increase construction capacity from about 10 to around 100 substations a year.

The programme covers both medium-voltage distribution substations (TVS) and distribution and voltage regulation substations (TVRS). Alfen and Enexis jointly developed the programme’s foundations around four modular concepts: TVS 10 kV, TVS 20 kV, TVRS2 and TVRS3. TVRS3, the largest configuration, is built around three voltage-regulating transformers.

Alfen’s role is to turn those designs into working infrastructure. As main contractor for the Ulrum substation, Alfen took responsibility for engineering, construction and delivery, bringing specialist teams together from design to completion. Across the wider programme, Alfen also manufactures and supplies TVS substations and works with partners to deliver civil works and construction services at TVS and TVRS sites.

Substations like Ulrum act as junctions within the electricity network, distributing power across the region and maintaining reliable voltage levels over long distances.

“Businesses looking to grow, households switching to electric heating and drivers charging electric cars all need capacity on the grid. With Enexis and our partners, we’re developing sustainable and repeatable designs to build faster and make that capacity available sooner. I’m proud of our collaboration in Ulrum and the example it sets for grid expansion across the Netherlands,” says Michael Colijn, CEO of Alfen.

Geert Heidekamp, Manager of Standardised Grid Expansion at Enexis, adds: “Demand for additional grid capacity is high, which is why Enexis is committed to expanding the grid as quickly as possible. By adopting a standardised approach and collaborating with Alfen and other partners, we can accelerate construction and connect more customers. This is essential to advancing the energy transition.”

Reusing these designs helps reduce repeated engineering work, simplify planning and shorten delivery times. The Ulrum substation was built in seven months, whereas similar substations previously took years to construct. The experience gained will support future TVRS3 projects across the Enexis service area, from Bad Nieuweschans to Maastricht, helping strengthen the electricity network and support the ongoing energy transition.

Media contacts

Mikayla Meneses, External Communications Manager, Alfen |Mikayla.meneses@alfen.com

Diederik van Herwijnen, Spokesperson, Enexis | diederik.van.herwijnen@enexis.nl

About Alfen

Alfen is building the infrastructure behind Europe’s next energy system. For 90 years, Alfen has been helping shape the future of electricity infrastructure. Today, the company develops and integrates Smart Grid Solutions, Energy Storage Systems and EV Charging solutions that enable a more reliable, resilient and flexible energy system across Europe. Together, they enable electricity to flow where and when it is needed most, helping Europe meet the growing demands of an electrified future. Built on European engineering, technology development and production, Alfen contributes to strengthening European energy security, resilience and energy independence. For more information, visit alfen.com.

About Enexis

With more than 5,700 employees, Enexis works every day to maintain reliable networks and prepare them for the future. Enexis stimulates, coordinates, facilitates and finances initiatives to accelerate the energy transition. Together with its partners, Enexis enables a sustainable energy supply.