New substation to ease power grid congestion in Amsterdam port area
TenneT has selected a preferred location for a new electricity substation near Amsterdam to tackle grid congestion. This upgrade will support business growth, sustainability efforts, and future housing developments by ensuring a stable power supply for the region.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Preferred Location | Boundary between Amsterdam port area and southern Groene Schip district |
| Project Name | A9 Zuid electricity substation |
| Stakeholders | TenneT, Province of North Holland, Municipality of Amsterdam |
| Information Evening | April 20, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Dorpscentrum Spaarndam |
| Design Decision | Expected early 2027 |
| Construction Start | No earlier than 2028 |
| Affected Landmarks | Machinetocht, Lancaster Monument |
| Connections | Beverwijk-Vijfhuizen power line, Waarderpolder, Hofmanweg, Westpoort |
TenneT is the national electricity transmission system operator in the Netherlands, responsible for maintaining and expanding the high-voltage grid. The Province of North Holland oversees regional infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with environmental and urban development plans.
Read the full translated article below
TenneT selects preferred location for new electricity substation
Publication date: April 2, 2026
Last modified: April 2, 2026
TenneT has announced its preferred location for the new A9 Zuid electricity substation. After extensive research and discussions on various options, TenneT will further investigate ‘location 2.’ This site is situated at the boundary between the Amsterdam port area and the southern Groene Schip district. On April 20, an information evening will be held where TenneT and the Province of North Holland project team will explain the location choice.
The new substation is necessary because electricity consumption and generation are increasing. This applies to the western port area, the Municipality of Amsterdam, and the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer. If the current system is not upgraded, the electricity grid will remain congested. This is known as grid congestion, which could lead to insufficient power for expanding or creating new connections for business growth or sustainability efforts. In the long term, this could also cause issues for connecting homes.
TenneT will connect the new substation to the existing electricity grid in multiple ways. High-voltage masts and lines will link the substation to the existing Beverwijk-Vijfhuizen power connection. Additionally, underground cables will connect it to the Waarderpolder, Hofmanweg, and Westpoort substations.
Best option
According to TenneT, ‘location 2’ is the best option because it aligns well with the industrial activity in the port. Additionally, this plot of land is significantly higher than most other locations, minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment, nature, and landscape. TenneT can also implement the substation at this site more quickly than at the other investigated locations. The choice for location 2 also aligns with the future development of the Houtrakpolder, including plans for water storage, nature, or potential port activities.
The location choice also presents challenges. The new substation will be situated where the Machinetocht and the Lancaster Monument are currently located. TenneT is in discussions with all involved parties to determine how to respectfully address these locations and their significance.
Design decision planned for early 2027
In May, TenneT will request approval from the Province of North Holland to further investigate and design the new high-voltage substation at this location. This process will also examine how the substation will be connected to the existing electricity grid. The Province is expected to make a design decision in early 2027, upon which public feedback can be submitted. If everything proceeds as planned, construction could begin no earlier than 2028.
Information evening at Dorpscentrum Spaarndam
During the information evening on April 20, TenneT and the Province of North Holland project team will provide explanations regarding the location choice.
The information evening will take place at:
- Date: Monday, April 20
- Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Location: Dorpscentrum Spaarndam, Ringweg 36, 2064 KK Spaarndam
Visitors can enter at any time, ask questions, and provide suggestions for the project’s continuation. There will be no plenary presentation.
Field research and design
Now that the preferred location has been determined, TenneT will commence various field research activities. These operations will have minimal impact on the surrounding area. Simultaneously, TenneT will work on the substation’s design and its integration into the landscape.
More information about the project is available at www.tennet.eu. Questions? Please contact the environmental manager.
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