HHNK questions plans for high-voltage substation in Wieringermeerpolder
The Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board (HHNK) does not agree with the regional advice given to Minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth on improving the electricity grid. This advice specifies the preferred route for a new 380-kilovolt electricity connection and the preferred locations for receiving stations for offshore wind farms in North Holland, including a high-voltage station in the Wieringermeerpolder.
An important reason for HHNK not to agree with the regional advice is that a number of preferred locations for high-voltage substations for the new 380-kilovolt power grid are located in the Wieringermeerpolder, which lies more than 4 metre sea level. Executive Director Marjan Leijen, portfolio holder for Environmental and Energy Policy: "We are extremely pleased that our energy system is being strengthened, but we cannot accept that highly vulnerable infrastructure be allowed in our deepest polder. The risks are too great. There are also alternative and more suitable locations available for the longer term."
No studies conducted yet
To date, no studies have been conducted into the consequences of power cable routes on water quality and the effects of power grid failures due to flooding or submersion, for example. HHNK believes that conducting such studies after the final preference decision has been made is not the correct order of events for such an ambitious energy program.
Don't make residents bear the costs and risks
The construction of vital energy infrastructure, such as a high-voltage substation for a new 380-kilovolt electricity connection in a deep polder such as the Wieringermeerpolder, means that the water safety standards for that area must be adjusted and that dike reinforcement is also necessary. HHNK believes that the resulting risks and costs should not be borne by the residents of the area. This is also because dyke reinforcement does not guarantee that disasters will not occur. These can happen at any time.
Contributing ideas for a better solution
An electricity network with sufficient capacity is also in the interests of HHNK, as pumping stations and sewage treatment plants, among other things, depend on it. HHNK will therefore remain involved as a partner in the follow-up process to contribute ideas for better solutions to the issue.
HHNK has expressed its position in a letter to Minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth, with a copy of this position sent to Minister Mona Keijzer of Housing and Spatial Planning.