The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, through Netherlands Enterprise Agency, has initiated a 4 GW offshore wind tender which aims to award two permits in early 2024, dividing them between plot Alpha (2 GW) and plot Beta (2 GW). Future plans involve adding another plot, eventually increasing the total capacity to 6 GW. These designated areas are part of the IJmuiden Ver wind farm zone in the North Sea. The deadline for bid submissions is March 28, 2024.
Located 62 km off the west coast of the Netherlands, the IJmuiden Ver wind farm area comprises three plots with a combined capacity of 6 GW, covering an approximate area of 650 sq km, inclusive of maintenance and safety zones. TenneT, the grid operator, will erect three platforms with grid connections, each providing a 2 GW direct current link to the onshore network.
According to reports, the permit will be awarded to the application with the highest score, considering various criteria such as financial offer, developer’s capability to execute the project, circularity in the proposal, and environmental impact. Plot Alpha has an additional criterion focusing on its contribution to the Dutch North Sea ecosystem, while for Plot Beta, considerations include integration within the Dutch energy system and measures to reduce porpoise disturbance during construction.
REGlobal’s Views: This large tender comes at a time with the Netherlands is aiming to have 21 GW of offshore wind capacity installed by 2030. This is a very aggressive target considering the current cost increases witnessed in the offshore wind space along with supply chain issues. Further, the North Sea is also becoming increasingly crowded and the process of securing rights and permits needs to be streamlined to accelerate scale-up. However, the Netherlands did succeed in achieving its 2023 target of 4.5 GW installed offshore wind power, and auctions like these will surely promote increased uptake.
