Record Number of National Energy Infrastructure Projects Starting in 2025

The Netherlands is transitioning to more sustainable energy. This reduces dependence on fossil energy from abroad and ensures that businesses and homes have sufficient energy now and in the future. To achieve this, a lot of new energy infrastructure will be built in the coming years, from expansions of the electricity grid to pipelines for hydrogen. The Dutch government ensures fast and careful preparation of projects so that grid operators can start building as soon as possible.

Realizing large-scale energy projects is complex, partly due to limited space for large energy projects, restricted nitrogen emissions allowances, and shortages of personnel and materials. The government collaborates with grid operators and local authorities to maintain momentum. In 2025, the cabinet introduced an acceleration package to speed up the expansion of the electricity grid by shortening procedures, additional area investments, and support for local authorities. Additionally, the cabinet works with TenneT to significantly accelerate the 26 most urgent projects to expand the high-voltage grid. The new approach has started with the first projects.

• The new high-voltage connection between Borssele and Rilland is completed and put into use.
• The high-voltage connection between Maasbracht and Eindhoven has been reinforced.
• The site investigation for the construction of 2 new nuclear power plants has started; a preliminary site decision is expected in summer 2026.
• The route to bring wind energy from the future offshore wind farm Doordewind ashore has been chosen.

This year, a record number of 13 national projects have started site investigations. Among others, for the expansion of the high-voltage grid near Amsterdam-Zuidoost and Wijchen. Additionally, 3 projects for the construction of the national hydrogen network have started. This means that almost all components of the hydrogen network are now in preparation.

With the Multi-Year Infrastructure Energy and Climate Program (MIEK), the government determines which major projects of national importance receive extra support. Through prioritization during implementation or accelerated execution of necessary studies. In 2025, 8 new projects were added to the program. For example, research into the rollout of a regional hydrogen network and where extra cables and pipelines are needed as airplanes in the future run on electricity or hydrogen.