The SSE-APG Nordzeker consortium has confirmed it is moving forward with the 2GW Alpha offshore wind tender site off the Netherlands.
Alpha is located in the IJmuiden Ver Wind Farm Zone.
Subject to reaching a final investment decision (FID), expected by late 2025, the wind farm would be commissioned by the end of the decade.
Last month the Dutch government awarded the Nordzeker consortium, comprising SSE (50%) and APG (acting on behalf of Dutch pension fund ABP), the rights to a pre-developed and fully consented offshore wind site in the Dutch North Sea.
The partnership will enter into the 40-year lease period for the Alpha site for an annual payment of around €1m.
As part of the conditions, a performance bond has also been posted which is linked to on-time delivery of the wind farm.
The consortium will reimburse the €20m cost for the environmental impact assessment and the offshore site characterisation studies which were completed by Dutch authorities ahead of the tender.
The consortium will use the data from the site studies to further progress the final design of the wind farm.
In addition to being fully consented, the awarded site also benefits from a confirmed grid connection to the Netherlands’ national grid which will be (separately) developed and constructed by Dutch grid operator, TenneT.
The IJmuiden Ver tender marks SSE’s first seabed award in the established Dutch offshore wind market where the company sees “significant and sustainable growth potential”.
The Dutch government has set a target of 21GW of offshore wind to be tendered by 2032, and a 50GW target by 2040.
The 2GW project (SSE share 1GW) grows SSE’s secured offshore wind pipeline to 9.3GW.
SSE Renewables managing director Stephen Wheeler said: “Our successful bid is testament to the work the consortium and its partners have undertaken to put forward a compelling set of proposals to sensitively develop our proposed offshore wind project in a manner which will positively contribute to the marine environment while delivering a cleaner and more secure energy system for the Netherlands.
“We now look forward to collaborating with our consortium partners, Dutch authorities, supply chains and other stakeholders as we progress the project.”
IJmuiden Ver Alpha will be located about 62km off the Dutch coast off the port town of IJmuiden.
Bid submissions for the 2GW Alpha site were invited to put forward proposals focused on making a positive contribution to nature.
The Noordzeker consortium proposed that would reduce and mitigate ecological impacts while increasing biodiversity.