Zaanstad boosts power grid to meet rising demand for homes and electric vehicles
Zaanstad is expanding its electricity grid to prevent delays in new housing, business growth, and charging stations. The upgrade will support the energy transition and reduce grid congestion, directly impacting residents and local businesses.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Expansion of 50kV electricity grid in Zaanstad |
| Grid Operators | TenneT and Liander |
| Affected Areas | Assendelft, Krommenie, Zaandijk, Zaandam-Noord, Zaandam-West, Hoogtij, Oostzaan |
| First Phase | New connection between Oostzaan and Hoogtij industrial area |
| Timeline | Construction starts end of 2026, expected duration: 1 year |
| Future Plans | Underground 380 kV high-voltage connection along Assendelft |
| Impact | Prevents delays in housing, business expansion, and charging infrastructure |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Local residents and businesses will be informed before construction begins |
The municipality of Zaanstad, in collaboration with grid operators TenneT and Liander, is responsible for ensuring a reliable and future-proof electricity infrastructure. This role includes facilitating the energy transition, supporting economic growth, and preventing grid congestion that could hinder development.
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Addressing grid congestion: Permit granted for new 50kV connection
The coming years will see an expansion and strengthening of the electricity grid in Zaanstad to meet rapidly growing demand. This surge in demand is driven by new homes, businesses, and electric vehicles, as well as the increasing use of renewable energy. The current grid cannot always keep pace with this growth.
To address this, grid operators TenneT and Liander are collaborating with the municipality to develop a robust and future-proof electricity network.
Challenges posed by a congested grid
When the electricity grid becomes overloaded, it can lead to significant consequences. Businesses may face delays in expanding their operations, and new construction projects may have to wait for connections. Installing charging stations or connecting new energy projects can also be delayed, impacting economic development, housing construction, and the energy transition.
New substations and cable connections
In the coming years, multiple new or expanded substations will be built in Assendelft, Krommenie, Zaandijk, Zaandam-Noord, Zaandam-West, Hoogtij, and Oostzaan. These substations will be interconnected via underground cable connections.
First phase: connection in southern Zaandam
The first phase of the expansion focuses on southern Zaandam. A new connection will be established between the existing high-voltage substation in Oostzaan and the new electricity substation to be built in the Hoogtij industrial area. Additionally, an underground connection will link Oostzaan to the existing—and soon-to-be-expanded—substation in Zaandam-West.
Planning and implementation
The installation of the cable between Zaandam-West and Hoogtij is expected to take about one year. Work is likely to begin at the end of 2026. Before construction starts, local residents and other stakeholders will be informed about the timeline and activities in their area.
The municipality is working closely with TenneT and Liander to integrate new electricity infrastructure as smoothly as possible. At the same time, Zaanstad continues to monitor developments closely, including plans for a new 380 kV high-voltage connection along Assendelft. Unlike the 50 kV network, the 380 kV connection will not require overhead power lines—the cables will be laid underground.
Zaanstad is collaborating with residents, businesses, and partners to build an energy system ready for the future. We are focusing on sustainable heat, a stronger electricity grid, and new ways to generate and use energy.
Would you like to learn more about the energy transition in Zaanstad? Visit: www.zaanstad.nl/energietransitie