The power grid needs to be significantly expanded. This is essential to transition to clean energy locally and become less dependent on foreign sources, to support a strong industry that can become sustainable here, and to provide electricity to all new homes. Therefore, Minister Hermans, in collaboration with the national grid operator TenneT, is now introducing a package of measures to significantly shorten the lead times for expanding the high-voltage grid.

Minister Hermans (Climate and Green Growth): “Expanding the power grid is urgently needed. The procedures and preparations for building the power grid take far too long. That can and must be shorter. Therefore, we are taking measures to significantly shorten that and we are working together with the grid operators and the co-governments to accelerate the most urgent projects.”

Both the (regional) governments and the national grid operator TenneT will jointly accelerate the working method. With the new approach, a faster decision will be made on which government is responsible for granting permits (the competent authority) for the approximately 25 most urgent projects to expand the high-voltage grid. These projects are often complex and currently require a lot of expertise and capacity from municipalities. Therefore, the cabinet wants to place responsibility more often with the province or the national government. The national government will make clear agreements with the grid operator(s) and co-governments at the start regarding rapid decision-making and the implementation of acceleration measures.

The cabinet will adjust laws and regulations with an approach for shorter procedures to eliminate bottlenecks and shorten lead times. Examples include faster (appeal) procedures, eliminating the need for permits for small expansions of energy stations, and reducing the repetition of research. Additionally, the flying brigade to assist co-governments in granting complex permits will be expanded. €22.5 million is available for this.

The cabinet allocates €197 million for investments in areas where a lot of national high-voltage infrastructure comes together. Municipalities can use this to invest in the quality of the living environment. This contributes to local support and helps prevent delays.

TenneT will thoroughly review its working method to increase speed. By allowing various steps and studies to proceed simultaneously and standardizing more, the grid operator can accelerate lead times by more than a year.

The national government will work together with grid operators, provinces, and municipalities on the approximately 25 most urgent projects to address the issues with the full power grid. The new working method will then be gradually expanded.