TenneT is working on additional capacity at the high-voltage substation near Doetinchem. There are 2 projects ongoing. The Provincial Executive has approved the draft project decision for placing a third transformer. The procedure for further expansion has also started. Everyone can respond to these decisions.
loading=lazy
Published on: 14 January 2026

Expansion in 2 steps

The electricity grid is becoming fuller. To have enough power now and in the future, TenneT is expanding the high-voltage substation in 2 steps: 

  • Project 1 (short term): placement of a 3rd transformer on the existing station. This helps to strengthen the power grid quickly. 
  • Project 2 (long term, 5–10 years): a much larger station and replacement of installations. 
    TenneT is investigating 3 possible locations. 

Each project has a separate procedure. The Provincial Executive makes decisions in both procedures.

 

Current status

Project 1: 3rd transformer

The procedure for the 3rd transformer started in April 2025. The draft project decision (a preliminary decision) and draft permits have now been published. 
These contain the rules for TenneT for placing the 3rd transformer and adjustments to the station. The studies on the effects on the living environment are part of the draft project decision.

 

Project 2: expansion and replacement

TenneT is investigating where the new, larger station can best be located. Building near the current station seems technically and practically logical. However, that station is located in the floodplains of the Oude IJssel (the floodable area along the river). TenneT must take water safety and new insights into account. Therefore, TenneT is also looking at 2 locations on the other side of the Oude IJssel, outside the floodplains. In total, there are 3 search locations. 

 The procedure has started with a start document. This document describes the project, the steps, the studies, and how you can participate.

 

How to respond

From Thursday 22 January to Wednesday 4 March 2026, it is possible to give your opinion (submit a viewpoint) on both projects. Choose one of these ways: 

  • Online: via the digital form 
  • Email: send your response to post@gelderland.nl. Put in the subject:  
  • “Draft project decision third transformer high-voltage substation near Doetinchem”, Case number 2025-015816 
  • or “Start document replacement and expansion high-voltage substation near Doetinchem”, Case number 2025-015816 
  • By post: Province of Gelderland, PO Box 9090, 6800 GX Arnhem. Mention the same subject and case number. 
  • Orally: call the Provincial Desk (026 359 9999) on weekdays between 9:00 and 16:30. We make an appointment and note your response. This report counts as an official viewpoint.

Information meetings

Together with TenneT, we organize two meetings about the plans: 

  • Tuesday 27 January 2026 in Doetinchem 
  • Wednesday 28 January 2026 in Wehl 

More information and registration:  
www.gelderland.nl/hsdoetinchem 
 

What happens next?

Project 1 – 3rd transformer

We will prepare a response report: in this we answer all responses. The Provincial Executive is expected to adopt the final project decision in spring 2026. The municipality and water board will also decide on the permits. 
 

Project 2 – Expansion and replacement

We will prepare a response report answering all responses. TenneT conducts independent research on the 3 locations (including environment, safety, technology, costs). The Provincial Executive will decide on the future location at the end of 2026. You can also respond to this decision (submit a viewpoint).