Tennet is working to replace and reinforce high-voltage lines. It is doing this with the help of a robot. The first work has now been carried out successfully.
Between Diemen and Lelystad, TenneT is working on the replacement and reinforcement of the 52-kilometre 380-kV high-voltage connection. Several pylons of the existing connection are being reinforced. The old conductors (the power lines) are making way for new conductors that can carry more electricity. Above the motorway, the A6 near Lelystad, TenneT is applying a special technique so that traffic on the motorway can continue unhindered. Using a so-called 'roller curtain', a robot together with a large winch pulls the new conductors between the pylons over the existing ones. Implementation of the work above the highway took place on 18 and 19 August. The entire project will be completed by early 2023.
Capacity expansion
The original realisation of the high-voltage connection between Diemen and Lelystad took place in 1972. The capacity of this connection is no longer sufficient. Therefore, expansion is needed. This is due to the large growth in renewable energy production. The high-voltage substations at Diemen and Lelystad have therefore now been expanded. Now the high-voltage connection itself is being reinforced. Several pylons will be reinforced. The existing conductors will make way for new innovative conductors. These new conductors can transmit much more electricity than the existing variant. The high-voltage line crosses crucial infrastructure such as railways, motorways and canals several times. There are even two crossings with the A6 motorway near Lelystad, for instance.
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Roll curtain
To cross the motorway with the new conductors, TenneT opted for the use of a so-called 'roller curtain'. This 'roller curtain' consists of pulleys and trolleys. It ensures that no obstructive constructions need to be built along the road. This allows traffic on the highway to continue moving unhindered. A robot, together with a large winch, pulls the new conductors over the existing ones. The electricity supply is not interrupted. It continues as usual via the other circuit of this 380 kV connection.
Work to 2023
Conductor replacement started in early August. To carry out this work, the power will be temporarily switched off from one of the two circuits on this connection. The reinforcement of the pylons will take place simultaneously with the replacement of the conductors. The reinforcement of the foundations will take longer and will be completed by the end of 2022. The entire project will be completed by early 2023.
Photos: TenneT
