Offshore wind energy is indispensable in our current and future energy system. It is a relatively affordable and well-scalable source of clean energy. Therefore, the cabinet designates the Nederwiek I-A plot for the next offshore wind farm. This wind farm will have a capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW), which is good for about 3.5% of our Dutch electricity consumption.

The IJmuiden Ver Gamma-A and Gamma-B plots (2 x 1 GW) were also planned for this tender round. Due to the deteriorating market conditions for offshore wind energy projects, partly due to the lack of large-scale demand for electricity, Gamma-A and B will be tendered later.

The rules and criteria for the Nederwiek I-A tender are also being relaxed. In September 2024, it was already announced that the plot size would be reduced from 2 GW to 1 GW. This lowers the required investment per plot, thereby reducing the financial risks for wind farm developers. The maximum liability for a wind farm developer is also limited in the first two years of the permit. The wind farm developer can ask the minister to withdraw the permit during that period upon payment of the bank guarantee. For example, if market conditions are too poor to continue with the development of the wind farm.

In addition, the cabinet has eased the criteria on which the offers from wind farm developers are assessed. These criteria encourage parties to innovate in areas such as ecology or circularity. By easing these criteria, costs for wind farm developers to implement these innovations can be reduced. Furthermore, the voluntary financial bid only needs to be paid from the realization of the wind farm, instead of from the moment of the permit.

For the Nederwiek I-A plot, a customized process has been completed for the first time to ensure safe helicopter access to the nearby gas platform K13-A. Research shows that operations at K13-A are not jeopardized, and there is therefore space for both the wind farm and the mining platform in this part of the North Sea. A positive outcome has also emerged from the customized process for the IJmuiden Ver Gamma-B plot, where smart and space-saving solutions continue to allow for the possibility of tapping new gas reserves. The adapted plot decision will be published soon. This is a first milestone in customized solutions at sea for combining wind farms and gas extraction, both priorities for the cabinet.

The deteriorating market conditions call for a government that helps the market through this phase. Therefore, the cabinet is now working on an action plan for offshore wind energy that will improve the investment climate for offshore wind energy and at the same time the investment climate for electrification by its consumers. Furthermore, instruments for financial support are being considered for the period starting from 2027, such as a minimum and maximum price guarantee (Contract for Difference).

On Tuesday, June 10, KGG, RVO, and TenneT will organize a webinar to explain the regulations for Nederwiek I-A. You can register here: https://english.rvo.nl/events/webinar-on-permit-for-tender-nederwiek-i-a

More information RVO: https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/windenergie-op-zee/nederwiek-i-a