North Holland prepares for offshore wind energy connections: public input opens in May
North Holland is gearing up to bring offshore wind energy ashore via new cables and pipelines. Residents can soon review and respond to the government’s plans, which could shape the region’s energy future and impact local communities and businesses.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Wind Farm Landfall Connections Programme (VAWOZ) |
| Focus | Electricity and hydrogen connections from North Sea wind farms |
| Region | North Holland, specifically near Den Helder and Julianadorp |
| Hydrogen Plans | Paused for five years; focus currently on electricity connections |
| Public Inspection Period | May 2026 |
| Finalisation Date | End of 2026 |
| Key Stakeholders | Province of North Holland, municipalities, water boards, RVO |
| Potential Landfall Site | South of Julianadorp, connecting to a new substation near Agriport (A7) |
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy oversees the development of offshore wind energy infrastructure, ensuring that connections to the mainland are efficient and environmentally sound. This programme is part of the Netherlands' broader strategy to transition to sustainable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Wind energy from the sea to North Holland
Electricity and hydrogen from new wind farms in the North Sea must be brought ashore via cables and pipelines. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy is investigating the best locations for this in the Wind Farm Landfall Connections Programme (VAWOZ), as well as the environmental impact and the available space.
Design programme available for public inspection in May
In North Holland, locations have been examined where power from offshore wind farms can come ashore. Possible sites for hydrogen landfall and hydrogen factories, known as electrolysers, have also been studied. The ministry is working on this in collaboration with the Province of North Holland, municipalities, water boards and other stakeholders. The results, the design programme, will be available for public inspection in May, after which anyone can respond. The programme will be finalised by the end of 2026.
What does VAWOZ mean for Den Helder?
Den Helder was examined as a potential hydrogen landfall site. However, plans for hydrogen have been paused for five years. For now, the ministry is focusing entirely on electricity connections. Cables may come ashore south of Julianadorp to connect with a new high-voltage substation near Agriport (A7).
Do you have any questions?
More information about the plans in North Holland can be found on the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) website: VAWOZ in North Holland.