Expanding the electricity grid in a very densely built-up area like Amsterdam is a complex puzzle, according to Liander. In addition to building new and expanding existing electricity stations, Liander must install more than 1,000 transformer houses in the city by 2030 and lay many kilometers of extra electricity cable.

Development Framework
Space is limited both underground and above ground. That is why the Municipality of Amsterdam and Liander have drawn up the ‘Development Framework for Electricity Supply Amsterdam 2035’ together with high-voltage grid operator TenneT. In this the 3 separate parts of the contours describe where, when and how the most important parts of the electricity grid can be expanded.

The ‘Development Framework for Electricity Supply Amsterdam 2035’ provides direction. Where and when should which expansion take place? What can the new stations look like and when should they be ready? In addition, the framework contribute to a larger, faster and more developmental development of the main electricity infrastructure in the municipality of Amsterdam. For one areas, the location for cables from stations is already extensive. For other areas there are areas within which preferred locations must be sought. The exact locations have yet to be determined. Subsequently, procedures, for example for a document, must be followed and documents must be drawn up.

task force
A Taskforce has been set up to solve problems on the Amsterdam electricity grid. It is a collaboration between grid operators TenneT and Liander, the Port of Amsterdam and the Municipality of Amsterdam. The Taskforce is looking to expand the network and to better distribute the scarce space in the Amsterdam electricity grid. The Taskforce also devises lean solutions to reduce congestion on the grid, for example by encouraging companies to shift their consumption to quiet moments.

Thanks to the Taskforce, the cooperation between the various parties has been intensified. These are accelerated procedures for expanding the grid that can be connected faster.

3 to 4.5 times higher
In 2050, the demand for electricity in Amsterdam will be 3 to 4.5 times higher than shown by studies by Liander and the municipality. Sustainability plays an important role in this: with, among other things, electric transport, heat pumps for homes and electric boilers for companies. In addition, other factors in Amsterdam have at least as great an impact on the demand for electricity: data centers, economic developments and new housing developments.

TenneT Liander is targeting around 1.4 billion euros to realize the planned expansions. Most of the work will take place between 2023 and 2028.