TenneT has opened a 2GW program tender for the manufacture and installation of a 525kV DC offshore cable system.
The tender starts for the wires for Dutch IJmuiden Ver projects in the Dutch North Sea.
It is expected that this contract will be awarded by the beginning of 2023.
The first 2GW IJmuiden Ver connection is planned to be operational in 2028.
The 2GW grid concept results in fewer platforms and land stations, and a bundled cable design, said TenneT.
“This is not only interesting in financial terms but also ensures that TenneT causes lower emissions and has less spatial and environmental impact,” it said.
A first connection is to be operational in 2028 and the projects will be made ready for interconnection to the UK.
The Dutch-German TSO said the standard is essential to meet increased Dutch and German 2030 offshore targets, which cumulatively have added 20GW this decade.
“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,” added the company.
Marco Kuijpers, director large projects offshore at TenneT, said: “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.”