TenneT Netherlands Reconductors with ACCC® AZR Conductor to Endure Ice Load

TenneT Netherlands initiated a reconductoring project to upgrade the 110 kV line between Groningen Hunze and Delfzijl Weiwerd to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy and strengthen infrastructure.

2X

The Capacity

22%

Sag reduction
under wind & Ice Conditions

51%

More Ampacity

Objectives

Replace the old conductor with a higher strength conductor featuring enhanced modulus to withstand heavy ice and wind loads.

Increase the current carrying capacity.

Ensure minimal blowout and sag with low-profile towers.

Single conductor profile across the network wherever possible.

Results

Successful deployment of ACCC® AZR Conductor, engineered with high-strength aluminium zirconium (AT3) alloy.

Significant increase in current carrying capacity meeting the target of 1323 amps.

Enhanced resilience against high wind and ice loads.

Improved standardization with the use of ACCC® Warsaw size conductor.

Effective Deployment and Results of ACCC® AZR Conductor

TenneT Netherlands’implementation of the ACCC® AZR Conductor for this project marks a significant advancement in the region’s energy infrastructure. This innovative conductor, ensures a robust and reliable power supply under heavy ice and wind conditions.

TenneT’s decision to standardize on the ACCC Warsaw profile across its network simplifies maintenance, inventory and enhances efficiency. The collaboration between CTC Global and stranding partner Midal has yielded a conductor that not only meets TenneT’s future capacity requirements, but also delivers enhanced performance in environmentally challenging areas.

Due to the low tower profiles, sag mitigation under all conditions was a critical feature of the project. To minimize creep, all spans were pre-tensioned to 1.5 X EDS during installation.

Dr. Eric Bosze, CTC’s Director of Conductor Materials Research, emphasized the benefits of the ACCC AZR Warsaw: “This conductor adds significant capability and cost-effectiveness to CTC’s proven ULS (Ultra-Low-Sag) core variants already deployed in Northern Europe, particularly for areas where high wind and ice loads can be expected.”


“For TenneT, the ACCC® AZR Warsaw is ideal for areas with extreme ice loads in the north. For the rest of the country, the ACCC® Warsaw with high strength carbon core and soft annealed aluminium meets all needs of the national grid operator.”
– Ton van der Wekken (Asset Specialist OHL)


The deployment of this conductor is particularly critical for the northern regions of Drenthe, Groningen, and the eastern part of Friesland. For these areas, ACCC® AZR Warsaw is the ideal choice due to its resilience against heavy ice loads. Meanwhile, the standard ACCC® Warsaw conductor, with its high-strength carbon core and soft annealed aluminum, effectively meets the needs of the national grid operator for the rest of the country.

This project reinforces the reliability of the power grid and supports the ongoing transition to sustainable energy sources in the Netherlands, ensuring a secure future for the region’s energy supply.

Solution

28.2 km

OF CIRCUITS

110 kV

LINES

1323

AMPS

images

Conductor Size: ACCC® AZR Warsaw

Project Features
  • ACCC® AZR Conductor, which uses an aluminium zirconium alloy to augment overall conductor strength and modulus to help fight extreme ice and wind loads.
  • The Delesto heat, power, and Eneco bio-energy plants in Delfzijl are linked to the Delfzijl Weiwerd high-voltage substation. This connects 110 kV and 220 kV lines to the Groningen Hunze substation, which is important for providing sustainable electricity to Groningen.
  • An additional 2.1 km spur line tying in the Stadskanal substation also upgraded from 500 amps to 1323 amps using the same conductor.

Questions ?

We’re here to help. Contact us to see how ACCC® Conductor can improve your project.

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