On the fast track to grid expansion

In the Netherlands, rising energy demand and grid congestion demand massive grid expansion. Limited capacity slows connections for homes, businesses, and renewable projects. Enexis and Siemens are standardizing substation deployment to boost capacity, cut complexity, and accelerate grid expansion.

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Ambitious goals

For Enexis, the challenge was not only to build more substations, but to do so with shorter lead times, lower project complexity, and uncompromised reliability. A standardized approach became the key to scaling rollout across the Dutch grid.

Project highlights

800 substations

planned over eight years.

10x increase

in deployment capacity.

1 week

from installation to operation.

0 F-gas

thanks to blue GIS technology.

The energy transition requires an electricity grid that can grow faster than demand. With this standardized solution, we help Enexis deploy capacity faster while using F-gas-free insulation technology and maintaining high reliability.” – Joanne Meijboom Kemhout, Managing Director, Siemens Netherlands

Joanne Meyboom-Fernhout, Managing Director, Siemens Netherlands

A standardized model built for scale

Enexis introduced a standardized concept based on fully pre-assembled and tested substation skids. By reducing engineering and installation complexity, this approach enables faster, more repeatable deployment across the grid while maintaining reliability. At the core of the solution is Siemens' NXPLUS C 24 – blue GIS, designed for primary distribution grids up to 24 kV. As part of Siemens' blue GIS portfolio, it combines proven vacuum switching technology with the benefits of gas-insulated switchgear, supporting a robust and scalable deployment model.

The right performance for grid expansion

The system offers strong performance for demanding grid applications, with ratings of 25 kA/3 s, 2500 A busbar current, and 2000 A feeder current. Integrated into these skid solutions, it helps Enexis accelerate installation and commissioning while creating a repeatable foundation for grid expansion. NXPLUS C 24 – blue GIS uses F-gas-free Clean Air insulation technology, enabling F-gas-free medium-voltage distribution without compromising performance or reliability. The units can be installed and commissioned within a single day. Additional features include compact, maintenance-free design and integrated digital controls, making the solution well suited for high-volume rollout.

By working with Siemens and using a standardized approach, we can build faster and connect more customers. This is essential for expanding grid capacity needed to connect homes, businesses, and renewable energy projects.

Han Slootweg, COO, Enexis

Operational benefits at a glance

Faster expansion

Accelerates grid rollout through a standardized deployment model.

Shorter timelines

Reduces project duration from delivery to commissioning.

Greater efficiency

Improves cost efficiency through repeatable design and installation.

More capacity

Increases the ability to connect customers and renewable projects.

Scaling capacity where it matters most

The first skid was installed in October 2024, demonstrating how standardization can turn a complex infrastructure project into a more measurable deployment model. This new approach enables Enexis to scale deployment capacity from around 10 to 100 substations per year, up to 800 substations planned. This model helps reduce grid congestion, accelerate grid expansion, and create additional grid capacity for connecting new customers and renewable energy projects. Standardization is therefore not just a design principle, but a practical lever for scaling critical infrastructure more quickly.