2025
Netherlands
TenneT Netherlands (the Dutch TSO) is strengthening its electricity grid against coastal flooding, fluvial flooding and sea level rise by raising critical parts of substations and designing overhead masts that can handle events of extreme high water-levels. These measures help ensure reliable power even during floods or projected sea-level rise, protecting essential infrastructure in vulnerable areas in the country.
Highlights
01
High-voltage substation components are placed at elevated levels to remain operational during major floods.
02
Innovative mast designs reduce the network’s exposure to flood damage.
03
Partnerships with national institutes (KNMI, Rijkswaterstaat, etc.) guide planning with accurate climate and flood data. For example, Rijkswaterstaat’s flood maps are used to evaluate site-specific flood risks.
Main Information
To accommodate fluvial and coastal flooding and sea level rise, TenneT’s (NL) adaptation measures include elevating and, accordingly, re-designing mats and elevating critical components of substations above expected high-water levels, as well as building small dikes around substations. The company implements also measures for immediate response to events. An example is the assessment of the Krimpen aan de IJssel substation, where flood modelling shows that a 1-in-200-year event could reach water levels of around 1.25 metres.Although such a flood has not occurred since the site was built, this analysis supports preventive design. This analysis is also conducted for other existing and potential new substation sites, so that TenneT can plan protective measures in advance and reduce flood risk across the network.
For the future climate hazards, TenneT is preparing for other types of climate hazards as well, such as extreme high temperatures, heatwaves, wildfires, the steady rise of temperatures, as well as storms and strong gusts of wind. In addition, TenneT is also repositioning assets, reinforcing foundations and apply weather-resistance coatings. Remote monitoring and dedicated vegetation management are applied as well.
Preparations are done at the asset-level and system levels, backed by cost-benefit analyses and emergency preparedness. Risk assessments include both the asst-level and the system-level, taking into account inaction as well. TenneT’s risk analyses draws on data from the Dutch Meteorological Institute, Climate Impact Atlas, and the “Rijkswaterstaat flood models”, among others. Because large parts of the Netherlands lie at or below sea level and act as a delta for major rivers, flood risk assessments are especially important for TenneT’s planning.
