SPIE strengthens the electricity grid in the northeastern Netherlands

Breda, 18 April 2025 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, will play a major role in Netversterking Noordoost Nederland (NNON) – TenneT's grid reinforcement programme in the northeastern Netherlands. The largest route in the northern Netherlands will be modified beginning in October 2025 to ultimately strengthen it for the expansion of renewable energy generation.

The growth of sustainable energy generation in the Netherlands far exceeds expectations. In the northern Netherlands, mainly in the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, several new solar park projects are underway. The current 110kV grid cannot support the expected growth in these areas. For these reasons, TenneT has initiated the NNON programme to reinforce the Zwolle-Meeden transmission corridor.

The programme 

The creation of Veenoord Boerdijk and Zuid Groningen, two new high-voltage substations near Ter Apelkanaal, will divide the 380kV Zwolle – Meeden line into three separate 380kV lines and 110kV lines.

The 110kV connections currently have different start and end points. These will be realigned so that they match, requiring SPIE to modify existing Overhead-to-Underground transition points (OSP) and install new ones. The objective is to create 110kV load pockets, making it easier to connect new energy producers and consumers. The 110kV connections can then be linked via high-voltage cables to the two new 110kV high-voltage substations. These two new stations will be linked to the two new 380kV high-voltage substations. Additionally, the transfer capacity of several existing 110kV transmission lines will be increased.

Task package

SPIE is responsible for all implementation-ready designs as well as the installation and connection of a total of thirteen take-off points, four station portals, seven new 380kV masts and the modification of eight 380/110kV pylons. Related activities such as foundation work, cultural engineering restoration and environmental management are also part of SPIE’s scope of responsibility.