Column by Evert Jan Slootweg: About transformer stations
The demand for electricity is increasing, while more and more power is also being supplied, for example via solar panels. As a result, network operator Liander needs to expand the network with, among other things, 50,000 additional transformer stations, 100 of which will be located in our municipality. This may cause some inconvenience, but it is necessary to prevent power outages.
More and more people are demanding more electricity. For example, because they no longer have a gasoline-powered car, but an electric car. Or they have a heat pump and use little or no gas to heat their homes. So the demand for electricity has increased enormously. We expect this demand to increase even further.
But it's not just that people are demanding more power; they are also increasingly offering electricity. For example, because they have solar panels. And when I write 'people' or 'residents', I also mean companies and organizations. We as a municipality are also demanding more power, and we also generate electricity.
This poses enormous challenges for Liander, our network operator. The network operator installs cables and pipes and manages the energy network. They ensure that energy suppliers can supply power via their cables and pipes. This requires, among other things, transformer stations (transformer houses).
Because the network is becoming increasingly congested, more transformer stations are needed. It's actually just like on the road: it's getting busier.
In some places in the Netherlands, the electricity grid is so full that there is not enough space for everyone. Anyone who needs extra power or applies for a new (heavier) connection sometimes has to wait a long time for it.
Over the next few years, 50,000 transformer stations will be added in the Netherlands. This means that 1 in 3 streets will be dug up. In our municipality, this will likely involve 100 additional transformer stations. As a municipality, we have decided to remain the owners of the land. We are granting the network operator a right of superficies.
The arrival of more transformer stations will certainly not please everyone. And the nuisance of dug-up streets is also annoying. But if this does not happen, there is a high risk of an electricity grid collapse and an increased chance of power outages.
The energy transition will only succeed if we are willing to work together, be flexible, and listen to each other.
Councilor Evert Jan Slootweg