Juriaan Janssen and his team contribute to TenneT's 2GW Program

Europe aims to be climate neutral by 2050. Offshore wind energy plays a major role in achieving this goal. TenneT is committed to providing a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy supply for the Netherlands and large parts of Germany. In addition to balancing electricity supply and demand, the grid operator is responsible for transporting electricity via the high-voltage network. Between 2029 and 2031, TenneT will build a total of 14 offshore grid connections, linking wind farms in the Dutch and German North Sea to the electricity grid. Preparations for this began five years ago. Through smarter designs with fewer cables, larger platforms occupying less space, and the deployment of innovative ICT solutions, the capacity of the high-voltage grid will significantly increase. Each wind turbine platform will be capable of transporting 2 gigawatts of electricity to the mainland. The Netherlands aims to generate 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, while Germany targets 22.2 gigawatts. Within the 2GW Program, the ICT Group team delivers sustainable IT and OT solutions that can flexibly adapt to the dynamic nature of the energy transition. Maximum safety, availability, sustainability and reliability of this vital infrastructure are guaranteed.

Equal Partners in Dialogue

“The role of ICT Group in this high-quality program goes far beyond consultancy,” explains project leader Juriaan Janssen. Together with three colleagues from ICT Group, he forms a close-knit team. “We ensure that the energy network can be used as efficiently as possible. We provide direction and contribute substantive knowledge, without forcing our solutions onto TenneT.” Thanks to the experience Juriaan and his colleagues have gained in complex projects in the water and infrastructure sectors, they have developed into equal partners in discussions with – and on behalf of – TenneT. “Of course, we have the necessary technical expertise, but we are also well equipped to handle the strategic alignment between the various systems,” says Juriaan.

For Future Generations

“This project is a unique opportunity to contribute to the energy supply of the future and to be part of an international team of experts,” Juriaan says proudly. “It’s incredibly motivating to be able to support the energy transition and climate goals, and to really make a difference for future generations.”

The team has been given significant responsibility by the client and represents the grid operator in all automation/ICT discussions with other partners in the 2GW Program. “We feel part of the bigger picture, and that’s how we’re seen as well,” Juriaan notes. “Quite a few TenneT colleagues we work closely with don’t even realize we’re employed by ICT Group rather than TenneT,” he adds with a laugh.

Complementing Each Other

Juriaan and his team work together seamlessly. “We each take on our own unique role, which allows us to complement one another,” he explains. “As a team and as individuals, we’re a great fit for this client. The project not only presents many technical challenges but also requires perseverance, patience, and the ability to persuade stakeholders to choose the best solutions. On top of that, all four of us are very meticulous. We pay attention to detail while maintaining the bigger picture.” The first platforms are expected to be operational in 2029. The ICT Group team is looking forward to that moment with great confidence.