If you drive to Schiphol, you may have wondered what the crane next to Ceintuurbaan Zuid is doing. Schiphol is working with BAM and Liander to build a new high-voltage substation. Starting in 2027, the new high-voltage substation will supply power to Schiphol's terminal, offices and other facilities. We are taking the most sustainable approach possible in the construction of the substation.
The substation contributes to Schiphol's ambition to transition buildings off gas and connect our facilities to electricity. Construction has already begun and, in collaboration with BAM, we are making more sustainable choices whenever possible. These include using more sustainable and recycled materials and concrete mixers that don't emit CO2.
The excavation work for the station has now been completed, and the metre-thick basement floor has been poured in collaboration with BAM and Albeton. GroenR concrete was used for the floor. This more sustainable concrete contains less cement and results in 15 to 20% lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional concrete.
In addition to the more sustainable concrete, electric equipment is being used as much as possible during construction to limit the project's CO2 emissions. The station's foundation piles were installed using a unique electric drilling rig, for instance. And the concrete was delivered using electric concrete mixers whenever possible.
The construction site was built using leftover sand from the Quebec dual taxiway project. Over 4,000 m³ of sand was used at the substation to relocate emergency routes and raise the construction site. In addition to this sand, used cables and steel are being used in the buildings.
The project also reuses as much of the material as possible on the construction site itself. For example, the grout released during drilling was not disposed of as waste but reused by way of a separation system for new anchors.
Construction is progressing well, and we continue to prioritise sustainability wherever possible. Once completed, the substation will integrate into the surrounding environment with a green domed roof featuring a diverse array of trees and shrubs. A water storage facility will be built adjacent to the green dome, providing space for biodiversity and nature.
This high-voltage substation is co-financed by the European Union.