Every day our colleagues at Pondera work hard to take sustainable energy projects a step forward. People may not realise that Pondera is working hard to make the electricity grid sustainable and future-proof. What exactly do our Pondera colleagues do, what are we working on, and what functions do our colleagues hold in these energy projects?
Noud Maas has been working as a Sustainable Energy Consultant at Pondera since 2018, and is involved in various projects including the project Net op zee Hollandse Kust (west Beta) for our customer TenneT.
The Hollandse Kust (west Beta) project relates to the development of an underground high-voltage connection of 700 MW. This connection will be built between a new wind farm in the North Sea and a new transformer station in the municipality of Beverwijk. The construction of a high-voltage connection such as this is preceded by a whole process and many different stakeholders are involved. Noud contributes in the field of spatial integration (such as permits and soil research) and environmental management. This makes his role very interesting. “I am working on the more technical side of the project, such as questions about permits or soil surveys, as well as being involved on the non-technical side in things such as contact with various stakeholders and coordinating interests. Within the project these two roles come together regularly, and where they intersect, my function comes into its own.” According to Noud, “What I love about my job is adding content.”
On 28th May, 2020, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy chose the preferred alternative for Hollandse Kust (west Beta). The choice for the alternative is based on the Integrated Effects Analysis (IEA), the reactions of the surrounding areas, the advice of the regional authorities and the advice of the EIA Committee. Phase two of the Environmental Impact Statement, in which the environmental effects of the VKA are being investigated, is currently being completed. At the same time, the permits and the National Integration Plan are being prepared. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
