Dutch transmission system operator TenneT and Vattenfall have signed agreements for the offshore grid connection for the 700MW Hollandse Kust Zuid 1&2 project off the coast of the Netherlands.
The deal covers the links between Vattenfall’s wind farm and TenneT’s Hollandse Kust Zuid Alpha offshore platform.
TenneT said the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore grid will comprise two 700MW transformer platforms at sea, two 220kV AC cables per platform, an onshore substation and an expansion of the existing Maasvlakte HV substation that connects to TenneT’s Randstad 380kV Zuidring.
One link will become operational in 2021, with the second coming online the following year, it added.
TenneT senior manager offshore Nederland Marco Kuijpers said: “This agreement is another fantastic step towards making the Dutch electricity system sustainable.
“The offshore grid is now really taking shape, first with 1400MW in the Borssele wind area, followed by Hollandse Kust Zuid and finally Hollandse Kust Noord in 2023.
“In the meantime, we’re preparing for the next North Sea projects in consultation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate.”
Vattenfall head of business area wind Gunnar Groebler said: “This is a big milestone for the project and we’re glad that it is advancing well.
“Contracts are signed well ahead of the deadline in March this year. We are looking forward to continue our cooperation with TenneT and materialise this project as a big contribution to the Dutch energy transition.”