Schiermonnikoog resists government's cable route through pristine nature reserve
Residents of Schiermonnikoog face potential disruption as TenneT investigates installing an underground electricity cable through the island’s tranquil Oosterkwelder. The municipality opposes the route, citing ecological risks and landscape impact ahead of the breeding season.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Oosterkwelder, Schiermonnikoog (Friesland) |
| Project | Doordewind wind energy area cable installation |
| Operator | TenneT (grid operator) |
| Research Period | March 11–15, 2026 (before breeding season) |
| Government Decision | Minister of Climate and Green Growth (summer 2025) |
| Municipal Stance | Critical of route; ongoing official responses |
| Stakeholders | Municipality of Schiermonnikoog, Natuurmonumenten |
| Information Evening | April 8, 2026 (Ministry of Green Growth) |
The Municipality of Schiermonnikoog oversees local governance and environmental protection on the island, ensuring infrastructure projects align with ecological and community interests. TenneT, as the national grid operator, is responsible for implementing energy infrastructure under government directives, balancing technical needs with environmental and societal concerns.
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Read the full translated article below
Investigation into cable installation on Oosterkwelder
On Wednesday, March 11, Mayor Hendri Meendering visited the Oosterkwelder, where research is currently underway into a method for installing the electricity cable that will cross Schiermonnikoog.
Mayor Meendering: “The Oosterkwelder on Schiermonnikoog is one of the most tranquil and unspoiled spots on our island. Any activity taking place there therefore stands out, and extra care is essential. TenneT must take this into account.”
The Municipality of Schiermonnikoog is critical of the preferred route chosen by the Dutch government that will cross the island. The municipal executive has therefore already responded officially on multiple occasions and will continue to do so in the future.
TenneT is conducting field research until March 15 (the start of the breeding season) to ultimately determine which method for installing an electricity cable will have the least impact on ecology and landscape while also minimizing disruption on the island. The research is being carried out in consultation with the municipality and Natuurmonumenten. In January, TenneT published a digital newsletter with more information about the research.
In the North Sea, above the Wadden Islands, lies the Doordewind wind energy area. To bring the energy from the wind turbines ashore, grid operator TenneT will install underground cables toward the Eemshaven. In the summer of 2025, the Minister of Climate and Green Growth decided that a project procedure must be initiated for the Schiermonnikoog wantij route.
More information about the project can be found on the TenneT website: Net op Zee-project Doordewind
Information evening on Doordewind project procedure
An information evening about the Doordewind project procedure will be held on Wednesday, April 8, organized by the Ministry of Green Growth. More information will be provided in a future newsletter.