bringing high-voltage cables underground with hydrogen-powered drilling rig
Tennet and A.Hak
TenneT, the operator of the national high-voltage grid, and contractor A.Hak today achieved a first in Bergen op Zoom with hydrogen-powered drilling for a high-voltage cable.
The cable from the Woensdrecht electricity station to Bergen op Zoom strengthens the electricity grid in the region. With this pilot, TenneT takes another important step in making its construction projects more sustainable, even in areas facing nitrogen challenges.
Frank Wester, Director of Operations at TenneT: “For this drilling, we are using green hydrogen. This type of hydrogen is produced from water via electrolysis using sustainable electricity from solar and wind. Additionally, the trucks involved in the project are powered by ‘HVO100’, an almost entirely CO2-free fuel. This underscores TenneT’s ambition to minimize the environmental impact of its construction projects.”
Nitrogen impasse
As this project is located near Natura2000 areas, nitrogen emissions seemed to threaten a halt to the work. However, due to continuous efforts to reduce nitrogen emissions, this final part of the project could still proceed. TenneT is working with contractors to explore possibilities to break through this ‘nitrogen impasse’. For example, TenneT recently collaborated with contractor Van Gelder on a drilling operation powered by green electricity from a battery pack for a cabling project in Breda, and now the collaboration with contractor A.Hak:
Business unit director Electron at A.Hak, Richard van Beers: “At A.Hak, we are always looking for innovative ways to create sustainable connections. An important aspect is minimizing the impact on the environment and surroundings. With this pilot, we are taking a significant step in that direction.”
Sustainability
TenneT plays an essential role in the Dutch energy transition and aims to execute projects as sustainably and cleanly as possible. For this reason, CEO Manon van Beek has signed the ‘Clean and Emission-free Construction’ covenant. This agreement concerns the sustainability of our construction projects, which can be achieved through the use of emission-free equipment, such as electric drilling powered by hydrogen generators.
Important lessons for the future
The pilot in Bergen op Zoom contributes to the learning process about emission-free and low-emission operations. TenneT and its partners are therefore jointly exploring the prerequisites and challenges in this area. For example, consider the – currently – limited availability of electric equipment. Nevertheless, TenneT emphasizes its commitment to deploy low-emission or even emission-free equipment on multiple projects in the coming years.
