At the end of last year, the State and all Dutch regional grid operators concluded a sector agreement. This agreement sets out conditions under which the Dutch regional grid operators can request the State to participate in equity and become a shareholder. On this basis, Stedin requested the State to provide equity for further investments in its grid. Following negotiations between the State, Stedin and its shareholders over the last few months, an agreement has been reached. Closing is subject to customary conditions. Upon closing, Stedin will be a new State participation. 

The envisaged participation is a landmark. It will further enable Stedin to facilitate the energy transition and make significant investments in its electricity grid, which serves approximately 2.3 million wholesale and private users, to increase capacity. "This is a transaction that shapes the future of the Dutch energy landscape and is transformative for the sector," says Lisa Schoenmakers of NautaDutilh's Energy team. "Our team is highly driven to contribute to the energy transition and honoured to be part of this extraordinary milestone."

Further information: 

• Kabinet investeert € 500 miljoen in netwerkbedrijf Stedin | Press release Dutch State
• Government reserves €500 million for strengthening Stedin Group’s equity | Press release Stedin Group
• Dutch State to invest €500m in grid operator Stedin, state to become co-owner | NRC
• Kabinet steekt half miljard in stroomnet Stedin | FD.nl
• Kamerbrief over participatie in Stedin | Rijksoverheid.nl (Kamerstuk)