Installation of cables from sea to the northern mainland
In the North Sea, above the Wadden Islands, the Doordewind wind energy area is being developed. To bring the energy from the wind turbines ashore, grid operator TenneT is installing underground cables towards the Eemshaven, where the electricity is connected to the power grid. Although the region does not support the route chosen by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG), the region considers the landing important to continue supplying the Netherlands with sufficient electricity in the future. According to the region, the minister should have fully investigated the so-called tunnel route before choosing one route.
Regional package: Distribution and use of funds
The installation of the cables impacts the environment. The regional package is therefore an extra boost for the region and comes on top of statutory compensation. The received funds bring opportunities for Northern Netherlands, for example in the areas of livability, agriculture, and employment.
On June 20, 2024, the national and regional governments reached an administrative agreement on the first tranche of area investments of 50 million euros. The money for this first tranche was distributed by the parties in 2024 and the first projects have already been started. On November 6, 2024, the Minister announced that 49 million euros will be made available in the second tranche. In addition to the money specifically intended for area investments, extra investments are also being made in nature and in challenges related to salinization in the area. The region previously received 18 million euros for an ecological impulse package. This is now supplemented with 2 million euros. Additionally, 5 million euros is available for solutions to salinization.
The distribution and use of the second tranche of area investments and the additional funds for nature and salinization are part of the Regional Package. For this, a regional plan is being drawn up, which the relevant regional parties are currently discussing. This regional plan will be presented to the national government by the end of September 2026.
Region continues to advocate for the tunnel option
For the connection of the Doordewind wind energy area, the ‘Schiermonnikoog Wantij route’ was chosen as the preferred route by the Minister of KGG in July. This route is now being further developed by TenneT. The region believes the tunnel option is the best route. The region therefore strongly advocates further investigation of this tunnel option, alongside the decision currently in place for the preferred Schiermonnikoog Wantij route. This is also included in the administrative agreement and a joint viewpoint has been submitted on the notification of the start of the procedure for the development of the Schiermonnikoog Wantij route.
