New measures to accelerate power grid expansion starting January 1

Before grid operators can build new infrastructure, they conduct on-site investigations such as soil measurements and soil research. When landowners do not grant permission for this research, it causes delays. Therefore, from January 1, 2026, a standard tolerance obligation for preparatory work applies, requiring landowners to grant access. Depending on the situation, this can save several months up to a maximum of one and a half years of delay (procedure time). The measure applies to power grid expansions and also to the national hydrogen network, heat infrastructure, and mining activities. The measure can come into effect six months earlier than originally planned due to rapid agreement.

From January 1, 2026, the Dutch government is also expanding the Energy Infrastructure Expert Pool. This allows more municipalities and provinces to be supported faster and better in location selection, permitting, and related activities for energy infrastructure projects. Municipalities and provinces can make use of temporary expertise such as project managers and legal support from experts with extensive experience in such projects.

Additionally, the expert pool, previously only available for high-voltage projects, is now also available for medium-voltage projects. Other forms of energy infrastructure, such as hydrogen pipelines and CO₂ transport and large-scale storage, can also be supported by the expert pool.

Both measures are part of the package of measures announced in April 2025 to accelerate the expansion of the power grid. The expansion of the expert pool is made possible by an investment of €22.5 million from the Climate Fund for the period 2026–2030.