New transmission standard supports next step
European countries have recently set new targets to meet climate objectives. The Dutch and German governments want to connect an additional 20 Gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity on top of existing 2030 targets. TenneT, responsible for the Dutch offshore grid and part of the German offshore grid, developed a new 2 GW standard to be able to accelerate offshore wind deployment. Together with market parties, the transmission system operator develops a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system to connect future wind farms to both offshore and onshore grids. The new transmission standard supports the essential next step towards larger offshore wind farms and a North Sea wide European Hub-and-Spoke system - combining wind power connection, coupling of energy markets through interconnection and smart integration into the main onshore grids. As part of this development, the Dutch IJmuiden Ver projects will be hub ready to connect a future multi-purpose interconnector to the UK. TenneT now takes the next step in the process by opening the tender for the 525 kV DC cable system for the Dutch IJmuiden Ver projects.
Less spatial and environmental impact
With this tender, TenneT enters the next phase for the innovative 2 GW projects in the IJmuiden Ver wind area. It is expected that this contract will be awarded by the beginning of 2023. Recently the engineering for the land stations and the platforms was tendered. The first 2 GW IJmuiden Ver connection is planned to be operational in 2028. The 2 GW grid concept results in fewer platforms and land stations, and a bundled cable design. This is not only interesting in financial terms but also ensures that TenneT causes lower emissions and has less spatial and environmental impact.
Innovative cooperation TenneT and market parties
Marco Kuijpers Director Large Projects Offshore at TenneT: "The recently announced increased targets for offshore wind in the North Sea area by the German and Dutch governments underline the importance and necessity of the 2GW Program. The innovative cooperation between TenneT and the cable suppliers, joint in the ‘prequalification program’ will lead to a new global market standard. This standard is crucial to reach the worldwide climate ambitions and re-confirms TenneT’s position as the frontrunner in offshore grid development.”
About the 2GW Program
To be able to accelerate we set up the 2GW Program for the Netherlands and Germany. In this we combined our extensive know-how in offshore grid development with a unique transnational approach and developed a new offshore standard together with the market. With the 2GW Program we can really unlock the possibilities of the North Sea. So we can provide Europe and its inhabitants with even more green energy in a safe and cost efficient way - all with the least environmental impact possible. With the 2GW Program, we increase the pace and tackle the future of the offshore grid expansion through harmonisation. At least six standardised offshore grid connections with a transmission capacity of 2 GW each will strengthen TenneT's role as driver of the European energy transition in the Dutch and German North Sea until 2030. The 2GW Program sets the new beat of the European energy transition.
