Working visit by State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat to Wieringermeer
On May 11, State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) visited Agriport to discuss with various parties, including the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board (HHNK), the proposed decision to construct a high-voltage substation in the deep Wieringermeerpolder. During this visit and administrative consultation, Water Board Member Marjan Leijen reiterated that she considers this unwise due to the significant risks involved and called for consideration of more suitable locations for the construction of this high-voltage substation.
The visit was prompted by the ministry’s plans to improve the power grid and the regional advisory report issued by the region. This recommendation identifies the preferred route for a new 380-kilovolt power line and the preferred locations for receiving substations for offshore wind farms in North Holland, including a high-voltage substation in the Wieringermeerpolder. HHNK has not agreed to this regional recommendation.
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."
Building a high-voltage substation in a low-lying polder is unwise
A high-voltage substation requires maximum reliability and minimal external risks. A deep polder below sea level combines multiple structural vulnerabilities, thereby increasing risks, costs, and dependencies. This concerns not only risks related to water safety and flooding but also, for example, vulnerability in the event of system failure, long-term risks due to climate change, accessibility during emergencies, or increased societal risks as a vital network component. In addition, it is advisable to build critical infrastructure preferably on high, safe, and robust terrain. Should such a facility need to be expanded in the future as part of the energy transition, this will entail additional challenges and costs.
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 critical energy infrastructure, such as a high-voltage substation for a new 380-kilovolt power line in a deep polder like the Wieringermeerpolder, means that the flood protection standards for that area may need to be adjusted, thereby necessitating dike reinforcement. HHNK believes that the resulting risks and costs should not be borne by the residents of the area. This is also because dike reinforcement does not guarantee the prevention of disasters. These can occur 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 previously made its position known in a letter to the Minister of Climate and Green Growth, with a copy of this position sent to the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning.