Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth sends a legislative amendment to the Council of State to accelerate the expansion of the power grid. By shortening procedures, dozens of projects can be accelerated by up to 1.5 years in the coming years. This creates space for new residential areas and companies looking to grow or become more sustainable.

The power grid must be significantly expanded throughout the Netherlands. To do this, the grid operator must first conduct on-site research, such as soil measurements and ground studies. This type of research is often of short duration and generally has little to no impact on the land. When a landowner does not grant permission for research, this can lead to significant delays, as the grid operator must then undergo lengthy procedures.

This legislative amendment eliminates those procedures and establishes a standard tolerance obligation for research activities. Depending on the situation, this can prevent delays of 2 months to 1.5 years.

Minister Hermans: “Without electricity, we cannot expand residential areas, and companies cannot grow. The years-long procedures that hold that back must be eliminated. It can be done faster; this proposal is a first step.”

Speed for Energy Projects

This legislative amendment is one of the steps Minister Hermans is taking to accelerate the expansion of the power grid. The minister is also working on an amendment to designate power grid expansions as projects of overriding public interest. This could also yield up to 1.5 years of acceleration.

The legislative amendment has been sent to the Council of State for advice today. The next step is consideration by the House of Representatives. The amendment is expected to come into effect in the middle of next year.