Feb 4, 2025
The consortium of SSE, ABP/APG and TenneT connects to the Dutch offshore grid.
TenneT has entered into a realization agreement with a consortium that includes SSE Renewables and pension investor APG, representing the pension fund ABP (APG/ABP), for an offshore grid connection to the IJmuiden Ver Alpha wind farm, situated 60 km off the coast of the Netherlands.
This project is the first wind farm to utilize the 2GW direct current standard and is expected to be operational by the end of 2029.
The agreement enables the development and construction of essential grid infrastructure to link the IJmuiden Ver Alpha wind farm with the Dutch high-voltage grid.
The consortium secured the tender in June 2024.
Maarten Abbenhuis, TenneT's chief operating officer, commented: "The signing of this implementation agreement signifies the commencement of our collaboration with the consortium tasked with building IJmuiden Ver Alpha. This consortium has a strong Dutch connection through ABP and APG's involvement, coupled with the expertise of UK developer SSE Renewables.
"Together, we aim to successfully develop this inaugural 2GW connection and wind farm. This is a crucial step towards making the Dutch energy supply more sustainable for both consumers and industries. With this first 2GW project, the Netherlands is reaffirming that energy transition can coexist with environmental preservation."
Electricity produced by the offshore wind farm will be transmitted to Borssele and converted to alternating current at a conversion station. It will subsequently be delivered to the high-voltage grid for end users.
Jasper Vis, director of SSE Renewables Netherlands, stated: "With the signing of the realization agreement, we are making significant progress in developing the 2 GW Alpha site in the IJmuiden Ver wind farm zone.
"This presents an unparalleled opportunity for our consortium consisting of SSE Renewables and ABP/APG to work together with TenneT to unlock the potential of this innovative new 2GW offshore wind farm. If approved for execution, this wind farm will provide green energy to Dutch consumers through TenneT's next generation of connections."
As of now, the Netherlands has 4.7GW of installed offshore wind capacity and aims to achieve 21GW by 2032.
TenneT is developing seven new offshore grid connections for offshore wind farms in the Dutch North Sea by this deadline. These connections will utilize a 2GW direct current system, which is equivalent to three times the electricity consumed by Amsterdam.
The implementation of direct current technology results in reduced transmission losses over long distances and increased power capacity, requiring fewer cables and platforms, thereby minimizing space requirements.
This project is the first wind farm to utilize the 2GW direct current standard and is expected to be operational by the end of 2029.
The agreement enables the development and construction of essential grid infrastructure to link the IJmuiden Ver Alpha wind farm with the Dutch high-voltage grid.
The consortium secured the tender in June 2024.
Maarten Abbenhuis, TenneT's chief operating officer, commented: "The signing of this implementation agreement signifies the commencement of our collaboration with the consortium tasked with building IJmuiden Ver Alpha. This consortium has a strong Dutch connection through ABP and APG's involvement, coupled with the expertise of UK developer SSE Renewables.
"Together, we aim to successfully develop this inaugural 2GW connection and wind farm. This is a crucial step towards making the Dutch energy supply more sustainable for both consumers and industries. With this first 2GW project, the Netherlands is reaffirming that energy transition can coexist with environmental preservation."
Electricity produced by the offshore wind farm will be transmitted to Borssele and converted to alternating current at a conversion station. It will subsequently be delivered to the high-voltage grid for end users.
Jasper Vis, director of SSE Renewables Netherlands, stated: "With the signing of the realization agreement, we are making significant progress in developing the 2 GW Alpha site in the IJmuiden Ver wind farm zone.
"This presents an unparalleled opportunity for our consortium consisting of SSE Renewables and ABP/APG to work together with TenneT to unlock the potential of this innovative new 2GW offshore wind farm. If approved for execution, this wind farm will provide green energy to Dutch consumers through TenneT's next generation of connections."
As of now, the Netherlands has 4.7GW of installed offshore wind capacity and aims to achieve 21GW by 2032.
TenneT is developing seven new offshore grid connections for offshore wind farms in the Dutch North Sea by this deadline. These connections will utilize a 2GW direct current system, which is equivalent to three times the electricity consumed by Amsterdam.
The implementation of direct current technology results in reduced transmission losses over long distances and increased power capacity, requiring fewer cables and platforms, thereby minimizing space requirements.