In Conversation with Bart Dirven
Below Ground Level
A Layered Project with Various Expertises
In the east of the Netherlands, A.Hak is working on a project that connects more than just cables. At first glance, in Varsseveld and Ulft, work is being done on the underground infrastructure for grid operator Alliander. But looking below ground level reveals a layered project where technology, ecology, and humanity go hand in hand.
We speak with Bart Dirven, director of Infranet at A.Hak, in the middle of farmer Wim’s meadow. The grass field beneath our feet lies directly above the route where new medium-voltage cables were recently laid. Bart points around: “If we could look into the ground here with augmented reality, we would see three bundles of cables. Once everything is neatly finished, you won’t see any of it anymore — and that’s exactly the intention.”
Technology with Consideration for the Environment
The project involved various execution methods, including excavation & dewatering and multiple HDD drillings (directional drilling). This requires precise work, especially because the area is known for the possible presence of unexploded ordnance. Ecological zones have also been carefully considered in the execution plans. “As a contractor, you have a great responsibility. For the underground, for the environment, and for the people here,” says Bart.
“You’re not just dealing with technology, but with the landscape where people live and work.”
Collaborating with Farmers and the Client
What’s special about this project is the intensive collaboration during the construction team phase. Alliander, A.Hak, and the region’s farmers worked closely together — from determining the route to agreements on property rights, access to plots, and compensation for inconvenience. Bart explains: “Communication is key in such projects. You’re talking to people about their land, their harvest. When we experienced delays due to heavy rain and sowing was temporarily impossible, we sought a solution together — including compensation. That’s not an obligation, but decency.”
The Importance of Farmer Contact
“The colleagues from Infranet, our ‘farmer contact men’, play a key role in this,” Bart continues. “They understand technology, but perhaps even more so how to deal with people. The fact that we’re allowed to film here in Wim’s backyard with his permission says a lot about the trust we’ve built.”
“Below ground level, much more happens than just technology. That’s where the foundation of good craftsmanship, human connection, and consideration for the environment lies.”
Solution for Grid Congestion
Besides the human aspect, the technical necessity of the project is also significant. “Thanks to the network expansion, more homes can now be connected, and there’s room for feeding back sustainable energy,” Bart explains. “That’s urgently needed in view of the energy transition.” The completion of the project was accompanied by an evaluation where learning points and optimizations for future projects were examined together with Alliander. With a smile, Bart concludes: “I’m super proud of this project. We’ve really delivered — technically, but also in collaboration. And that’s being recognized. It’s simply reaping the rewards of our work.”
“The colleagues from Infranet, our ‘farmer contact men’, play a key role”
