Netherlands plans extra 10.7GW offshore wind by 2030

The Netherlands plans to have an additional 10.7GW of offshore wind capacity operating by 2030, nearly doubling its current target for the end of the decade.

The government is targeting an extra 10.7G of offshore wind capacity by 2030, in its draft 2022-2027 supplementary design programme for the North Sea. This would add to the 11.5GW it already plans for the end of the decade — bringing the country’s combined goal to 22.2GW.

The Netherlands currently has just over 2.6GW of operational offshore wind capacity, according to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly.

The Dutch ministry of infrastructure and water management highlighted areas where this newly planned 10.7GW expansion could be carried out, including a site north of the IJmuiden Ver offshore zone and another south of the Hollandse Kust West site.

This elevated target would help the Netherlands play its part in helping the EU achieve a 55% reduction in 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the ministry added.

The Netherlands itself currently targets a 49% reduction by 2030.

The Dutch council of ministers adopted the updated plans at the end of October and has now opened a public consultation, which runs until 20 December.