Due to rising costs and less demand for electricity than previously expected, the development of offshore wind energy is stalling in many countries. To prevent this from happening in the Netherlands, the government is coming up with an action plan. This includes measures to financially support the construction of new wind farms. The plan also offers solutions to further stimulate the demand for offshore wind energy.
Growth Comes to a Halt
In recent years, the production of electricity from offshore wind farms in the Netherlands has significantly increased. We would like to expand this further. One reason is that offshore wind energy makes us less dependent on other countries. Due to rising costs and increased uncertainty in the market, the development of offshore wind is stalling in many countries. In the Netherlands, this is not yet the case: several offshore wind farms are currently under construction and new farms are in development.
Action Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
To prevent the development of these wind farms from also coming to a halt in the Netherlands, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth presented the Action Plan for Offshore Wind Energy on September 16, 2025. This plan includes various measures to continue the development of offshore wind in the Netherlands.
€ 1 Billion for New Wind Farms in 2026
The action plan includes measures to support the construction of new wind farms. Wind farm developers will receive financial support for the construction of 2 gigawatts (GW) of new wind farms. Almost € 1 billion will be made available from the Climate Fund for this purpose. The specific wind energy areas will be announced later.
Stimulating Demand for Wind Energy
Additionally, the plan proposes solutions to stimulate demand for offshore wind energy. The Indirect Cost Compensation (IKC-ETS) scheme for industry will be extended by one year, until 2028. This aims to make electricity costs competitive and improve the business model of offshore wind farms for developers.
Subsidy for Wind Farm Owners with Low Income
For the long term, the government is preparing a legislative proposal to enable so-called Contracts for Difference. This means that wind farm owners will receive a subsidy when their income is low and will contribute to the state when electricity prices are high.
The action plan further describes the development of a guarantee fund to support the conclusion of long-term power contracts. The government is also investigating whether the future wind farm north of the Wadden Islands can be added to the wind energy area Doordewind. This is to generate higher returns per turbine and better utilize the infrastructure. The next government will need to further develop these ideas.
