Export opportunity – The Netherlands offshore wind

The Netherlands – offshore wind opportunity summary

The Dutch government wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. This is planned to be driven by the large-scale generation of sustainable energy by offshore wind turbines.

Scale of export opportunity

At the end of 2020, there were six offshore wind farms in operation in the Netherlands, with 365 turbines generating 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of power. 

Between 2015 and 2030 the following Wind Farm Zones have been, or will be, developed in the Dutch part of the North Sea, bringing the total energy capacity to 21GW: 

• Borssele 
• Hollandse Kust (zuid) 
• Hollandse Kust (noord) 
• Hollandse Kust (west) 
• IJmuiden Ver
• Nederwiek 
• Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden 
• Doordewind 

On 11 February 2022, the Dutch Government raised the offshore wind energy target from 11.5GW to approximately 21GW by 2030. By then, offshore wind farms will supply 16% of the energy required in the Netherlands and 75% of the country’s current electricity needs.

However, electricity demand is expected to increase. This will mean a need for even more offshore wind energy in the period after 2030. Future scenarios for energy systems (for both supply and demand) and the North Sea Energy Outlook indicate that between 38GW and 72GW of offshore wind capacity will be required by 2050. 

Company suitability

Those best suited to win this type of business will fit at least one of the following descriptions:  

• Scottish companies involved in operations and maintenance 
• Scottish companies that can support research and development on cost reduction and optimisation — especially network and digitisation and support structures