The Netherlands has launched a zero-subsidy tender for 4GW of North Sea offshore wind capacity, with the auction set to use a much higher rate of ‘negative bidding’ than previous rounds.
Developers will bid for two 2GW projects – the IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Beta projects – ahead of a 28 March deadline.
They will be judged on the certainty that they will complete the respective wind farms. For IJmuiden Ver Alpha, developers will also be judged on the wind farm’s circularity credentials, including its environmental impact. And for IJmuiden Ver Beta, developers will also be judged on the wind farm’s contribution to system integration.
Developers will also be judged on their willingness to pay for the right to use the site – so-called ‘negative bidding’ – with annual fees of up to €420 million accepted. Previous rounds have seen a maximum fee of €50 million over the lifetime of the project.
The IJmuiden Ver projects are due to be commissioned in 2029.
A third 2GW site in the zone – IJmuiden Ver Gamma – is due to be tendered in the second quarter of 2024, ahead of project commissioning in 2029.
Grid operator Tennet is due to install three 2GW direct current connections from the wind farms to the shore.
.png)
.png)
