New Lock Terneuzen
The New Lock in Terneuzen isn’t just another piece of infrastructure – it’s our bold new entryway to Europe. Among the largest locks in the world, it opens the way for bigger ships, smoother traffic...
Powering a greener future
The energy transition is accelerating fast. But moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy requires a power grid that can keep up with our ambition. That’s why, together with our partners, we’re driving a crucial project: the construction of a new, robust 380 kV high-voltage connection in Zeelandic Flanders. It’s the region’s lifeline; enabling industrial electrification and propelling the resource transition forward.
Why this energy highway?
The current 150 kV grid in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has reached its physical limits. Demand for electricity from industry – for example for electrifying processes, powering electrolysers and large-scale battery parks – already exceeds what the grid can handle.
The result? Grid congestion: traffic jams on the power network. Without a stronger connection, companies can’t expand or switch to green energy. This project tackles that challenge head-on.
Eliminate grid congestion:
The new, robust 380 kV connection guarantees a stable power supply for both businesses and households.
Enabling electrification:
Companies gain the capacity they need to switch from fossil fuels to green electricity and hydrogen.
Meeting climate goals:
This project is a vital link in cutting industrial CO₂ emissions and meeting national climate targets.
Boosting green energy supply:
The Dutch government plans to feed renewable energy — from offshore wind and nuclear sources — into Zeeland’s regional grid. The 380 kV backbone keeps that power flowing to industry in Zeeland and the rest of the Netherlands.
The 380kV connection - what is it?
Grid operator TenneT and the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) are developing a new “power highway” – the key driver of industrial electrification.
The project consists of two main parts:
- A new 380/150 kV high-voltage substation in or near Terneuzen, to distribute electricity efficiently and connect major industrial users directly.
- A new 380 kV high-voltage line connecting this substation to the national grid between Borssele and Rilland.
The route and exact location will be determined through a careful study process up to 2028, after which the minister will make a final decision. Several route options are on the table – either above ground or through a tunnel beneath the Western Scheldt.
Positive energy all around
This new power connection brings benefits for all:
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Innovation without limits: Reliable power supply enables companies to realise their sustainability ambitions and invest confidently in electrification.
A magnet for new businesses: A strong grid attracts sustainable companies and reinforces our position as a leading European port for the energy transition.
The missing link for future-ready flow: The 380 kV line connects directly to future infrastructure such as offshore wind farms and nuclear plants.
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A frontrunner in the energy transition: Zeelandic Flanders becomes a secure, green foundation for new jobs and economic growth in the clean energy sector.
A healthier living environment: Switching to green power means a sharp drop in CO₂ emissions. And there is more (or let’s say: less!): less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and less diesel noise. Cleaner air, quieter surroundings, better quality of life.
Ready for tomorrow: The energy grid gains the strength and resilience we all deserve. Reliable, safe and ready for the future.
Our role: switching things on together
North Sea Port plays a powerful, threefold role in this groundbreaking project:
Landowner and representative:
As the new high-voltage substation may partly be located on our grounds, we make sure the interests of the port and the wider region are fully considered in the decision-making process.
Director and connector:
We bring TenneT, DOW, government bodies and industry partners to the table to make the best spatial choices. We keep an eye on the bigger picture, ensuring the energy transition moves forward in sync with other key developments across the port area.
Consortium partner:
North Sea Port is part of the core team of the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NPVI). Through this consortium, we’re working to prevent delays in delivering the 380 kV connection.
Cross-border hydrogen infrastructure
Together with our partners, we’re building Europe’s first cross-border hydrogen infrastructure: a pipeline network connecting industries across Northwest Europe.
Rail Ghent Terneuzen
The railway between Ghent and Terneuzen is getting a major upgrade, with a robust rail network will soon shape the future of sustainable freight transport.
Conversion of the R4 West and East
The R4 is the ring road around the Ghent port area of North Sea Port. It is the lifeline for logistics and mobility in our Belgian port area. And that lifeline is getting a bold upgrade.