Wind Energy – Politics
The Dutch government has decided to amend the permit for the IJmuiden Ver Beta wind farm (2 GW).
This wind farm is being developed by the Zeevonk consortium (Vattenfall & CIP).
The change has become necessary because of the delayed completion of the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC), the transport network crucial for selling green hydrogen from the Maasvlakte.
The original permit provided for a 2 GW wind farm, combined with a 1 GW electrolyser and an offshore solar park. Due to the postponement of the DRC until 2032, this business case is no longer feasible. To make the project possible, the government is amending the permit in five respects:
1. Phased construction: first 1 GW in 2029, second 1 GW in 2032 (parallel to DRC completion).
2. System integration: electrolyser capacity requirement reduced from 1 GW to a minimum of 500 MW, completion from 2033.
3. Financial offer: reduced from €800 million to €400 million, with deferred payments.
4. Offshore solar: obligation changed to a smaller demonstration project of 6 MWp by 2028 at the latest, with a scaling-up reservation.
5. Grid tariffs: the government recognises that appropriate grid tariffs are necessary for system integration and will continue discussions with ACM on this matter.
These adjustments are necessary to keep realisation possible and to prevent further delays.
