RWE wins Dutch unsubsidised offshore wind tender. The company received a permit to build a large-scale offshore wind farm. It will be named Hollandse Kust West (HKW) VII. RWE's design for HKW VII offers solutions for the optimal integration of offshore wind farms into the Dutch energy system. This was acknowledged by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO).
The location of the new wind farm is in the North Sea, about 53 kilometres off the Dutch coast. At the site, RWE will be able to supply more than 760 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy. This is enough to supply almost one million Dutch households with green power.
8 gigawatts by 2030
"We are delighted to win the tender for this Dutch offshore wind farm. This is an important step for us. A step towards growing our global offshore wind capacity to 8 gigawatts by 2030. Based on our 20 years of experience in developing, building and operating offshore wind farms, we have delivered a unique concept for the project. We are therefore looking forward to realising this wind farm together with the local communities." Speaking is Sven Utermöhlen, CEO Offshore Wind of RWE Renewables.
Dutch energy system of the future
RWE has an ultimate goal. That is to perfectly match energy demand with the flexible generation profile of offshore wind farms. In doing so, it can contribute to grid stability. Full system integration is required. To make this possible, RWE combines the concept for HKW VII offshore wind with electrolyser capacity to produce green hydrogen. Other flexible demand solutions such as e-boilers and battery storage are also options.
Floating solar panels
RWE also plans to combine the HKW VII offshore wind farm with floating solar panels. This is to achieve a more efficient use of space at sea. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational no later than five years after the permit becomes irrevocable. It can then contribute to the Netherlands' ambitious offshore wind construction targets. This is 21 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2030 and 70 GW by 2050 are envisaged.
Innovative ecological concept
RWE has also bid for HKW VI with an innovative ecological concept to have a positive impact on biodiversity. The result of this tender is expected by the end of this year.
Blueprint
"We are very happy to be given this opportunity by the Dutch government. After all, winning this offshore site means RWE's entry into the Dutch offshore wind market. It is one of our most important strategic growth markets in Europe. Hollandse Kust West VII will contribute significantly to the energy transition. This is possible by producing green power for almost one million Dutch households. With our innovative concept, we have developed a blueprint for a new generation of offshore wind farms. These can be perfectly integrated into the energy system." So says Roger Miesen, RWE Country Chair Netherlands.
