Efficiency assessment transmission projects

Introduction

As the overseer of taxpayer funds, the Dutch regulator ACM plays a critical role in ensuring the proper allocation of resources, such as in the transmission grid projects managed by the Dutch Transmission System Operator (TSO), TenneT. Under a framework agreement, AFRY (formerly BLIX) has been entrusted with assessing TenneT's projects to ascertain their adherence to various objectives and efficiency standards. Enersynt has been engaged to contribute expertise in various aspects of these assessments.

The projects to be assessed consisted of various onshore and offshore transmission expansion projects, such as the Marnezijl - Oudehaske grid reinforcement and the Hollandse Kust Zuid onshore and offshore grid development.

Project Background

Our assessment initiative is rooted in a meticulous exploration of the projects overseen by TenneT, the Dutch Transmission System Operator. At its core, our inquiry focuses on fundamental questions regarding the attainment of project objectives. We rigorously evaluate whether planned grid transmission capacities have not only been reached but also sustained for electricity transmission, ensuring the fulfillment of project goals.

Furthermore, our evaluation encompasses a thorough analysis of the financial aspects of TenneT's projects, including an examination of the alignment between the initial investment budget and subsequent revisions, aiming to understand any disparities and assess financial prudence in project planning and execution. Additionally, we scrutinize project costs to ensure they align with objectives and deliverables, identifying avoidable expenses and optimization opportunities to enhance resource efficiency while maintaining project quality.

In parallel, we investigate TenneT's adherence to formal procurement procedures, evaluating the organization's commitment to transparency, fairness, and regulatory compliance in its procurement practices. This aspect of our evaluation ensures the integrity and legality of the procurement process, mitigating risks associated with non-compliance.

Lastly, we delve into the effectiveness of TenneT's risk management strategies, aiming to identify, mitigate, and manage project risks comprehensively. By analyzing risk management practices, we seek to ensure project resilience and continuity in the face of potential disruptions.

In summary, together with our client AFRY, our multifaceted inquiry into TenneT's projects encompasses key aspects such as objective attainment, budget alignment, procurement compliance, risk management effectiveness, and cost optimization. Through this comprehensive evaluation, we aim to provide insights that enhance project efficiency, accountability, and adherence to best practices.

Role of Enersynt

Enersynt has played a pivotal role in addressing specific research questions within various projects, leveraging its expertise in design, budgeting, and project execution. Enersynt's contributions have primarily focused on research questions concerning objective achievement, cost efficiency, and additional work assessment.

Conclusion

While the framework assessment is ongoing, TenneT has demonstrated a commitment to robust procedures and practices across multiple projects. This commitment underscores TenneT's dedication to accountability and efficiency in infrastructure development.

‍