The Netherlands on track to meet offshore wind energy goals

The Netherlands – The Netherlands is on track to meet its targets for offshore wind energy in 2023, with 4.7 GW of offshore wind farm capacity set to operate in the Dutch North Sea by the end of the year.

The Dutch Offshore Wind Market Report 2023, published by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in April 2023, shows that these projects will meet approximately 15.8% of total current electricity demand in the country. The report was presented to WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson by Emelie de Wagt, senior offshore wind policy officer at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Proactive policy

The market update report provides an overview of the key facts and figures of the Dutch offshore wind sector, highlighting the achievements made by the Government, the business community, and other stakeholders in realising several offshore wind farms in recent years. The Dutch Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap 2023 aimed for an installed offshore wind capacity of 4.5 GW by the end of 2023, which will be achieved within time and budget. The proactive policy of the Netherlands has also resulted in significant cost reductions, with €7 billion saved at the Borssele I-IV wind farms since 2016. The first subsidy-free wind farm in the world, Hollandse Kust (zuid) I and II, was also developed in the country.

According to Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy, the country’s current goal is to achieve approximately 21 GW of installed offshore wind energy capacity in 2030-2031. The Netherlands will also be agreeing on new targets for offshore wind energy for 2035, 2040 and 2050 in the National Energy System Plan.

Challenges

While the Netherlands has made significant strides in the development of offshore wind energy, there are potential challenges that may arise. These include opposition from local communities, conflicts with other users of the sea, and technological limitations. However, the government has been working closely with stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure that the country continues to be a leader in offshore wind energy.