Arkel gets a new energy hub

A smart choice for the entry point

We are working in a location where many elements come together, including existing cables and pipelines, a railway station, a football club and water directly alongside the work site. Stedin therefore deliberately chose one central entry point in a field in Nieuwland during the preparatory phase. This provides sufficient space now and in the future for several connections – for example, from Vianen and Leerdam – to converge.
This location was not chosen by chance. It provides enough room to work safely and will significantly reduce disruption around the station in the future.

Minimal excavation and maximum precision

A large part of the route is being constructed using horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This means that we drill underground without having to excavate the entire area. This is particularly useful beneath waterways and in locations with heavy activity above ground.

Beneath the Merwedekanaal, we are carrying out four stacked drillings due to limited space between existing buildings and the railway. These include two drillings with 19 casing pipes (Ø180), one drilling with 14 casing pipes (Ø180), and one drilling with 7 casing pipes (Ø200). The new cables will later be pulled through these HDPE casing pipes – plastic protective ducts. The connections will then be joined using cable joints.

“We’re already installing several connections now, so Stedin can connect them later. This means no additional work will be needed at the 50-kV substation in Arkel in the future,” explains Project Manager Niels.

Electric drilling

What makes this project truly special is the way we work. Five of the seven drillings are carried out entirely electrically. For this, we use a direct power connection to Stedin’s grid.

“This project in Arkel is a great and distinctive job,” says Niels. “We combine smart technology, work in the heart of the local area and carry out most of the drilling electrically. This allows us to reduce emissions and minimise disruption.”The grid connection was also the project’s biggest challenge. Normally, such a process takes longer, but in this case, it had to be arranged within three months. This was achieved through swift coordination and additional measures, such as arranging and installing our own transformer room. This also ensures compliance with the requirements of the AERIUS calculation for nitrogen emissions.

Keeping the station and football club accessible

We want to minimise disruption for the surrounding area. That is why Parallelweg remains open to bicycle traffic, other traffic and emergency services, while the NS railway station and football club remain accessible. The entrance to the Arkel football club will only be closed during the pullback of the drillings.
As we are using the parking spaces near the 50 kV substation, we have constructed a new parking area together with Stedin. We are also deploying traffic controllers and barriers to keep disruption to a minimum.

From the first phase to completion in 2027

The work is being carried out in stages. Phase 1 started in November 2025 and was expected to continue until the end of the first quarter of 2026. The plan was for all drillings to be completed before the construction holiday period. After the summer holidays, we would begin pulling the cables, installing joints and fitting terminations. Final completion is expected in May 2027.
With this project, we are laying a solid foundation for a future-proof electricity grid in the region. Through smart technology, safe execution and consideration for the local community, we are helping ensure that Arkel and the surrounding area are ready for growing electricity demand.