The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend 250 million euros to the electricity transmission company TenneT for the western section of TenneT’s “Zuidwest 380 kV” project.
According to the bank's statement, the project will enable the transmission of rapidly growing amounts of offshore wind energy to users in the Netherlands and beyond.
In its entirety, the Zuidwest 380 kV project also supports the increased connectivity of European electricity markets.
Specifically, the EIB financing will support the construction of a new 380 kV transmission line – combined with a 150 kV line for part of the route - from the substation at Borssele to a new substation at Rilland.
One of the main reasons for the upgrade is the ongoing growth of offshore wind power generation capacity off the Dutch southwest coast, as part of the 1.4 GW Borssele Wind Farm Zone. The new grid connection will allow for the avoidance of congestion on the high voltage grid once the wind farms are in operation and will facilitate the transfer of green, offshore electricity to demand centers.
“The Netherlands’ ambitious targets for renewable energy generation require more investment in the transmission network.” stated EIB Vice-President Andrew McDowell. ”That’s why the EIB, as the EU Climate Bank, is pleased to support this project.”
Otto Jager, CFO of TenneT added: "The switch from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is one of the biggest challenges the world is currently facing. It is an immense task for transmission system operators. This project in the southwest of the Netherlands will support us in maintaining our strong track record in the availability of our electricity grids. At the same time, this connection facilitates the integration of sustainable offshore wind energy into the Dutch electricity system."
The EIB has said it has increased its total lending commitment to TenneT to EUR 1.8 billion. The EIB commitments are provided for the upgrading and expansion of TenneT’s electricity transmission networks in the Netherlands and Germany as well as interconnectors.
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