TenneT, a key operator in Europe's energy sector, has announced the selection of Heerema Marine Contractors for the construction of a new float-over barge designed to support its 2GW programme in the North Sea. The project, which forms part of TenneT's broader efforts to enhance electricity grid infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany, is focused on installing ultra-heavy topsides essential to the expansion of renewable energy networks.
Arno Schroor, Project Director at Heerema, emphasized the importance of innovation in meeting the needs of their clients: “To ensure the best installation methods for our clients, Heerema is committed to ingenuity. This project perfectly aligns with our commitment to innovation and supports TenneT's efforts to expand the North Sea electricity grid for renewable energy.
The new barge will play a critical role in supporting the installation of direct current (DC) offshore power converters, key components of the 2GW programme. TenneT plans to deploy more than 14 of these converters in the North Sea, a move that is seen as a significant step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels while enhancing the grid's capacity for offshore wind energy.
Dick Lagerweij, responsible for the 2GW transport and installation contracts at TenneT, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative: “The Dutch and German governments, on the basis of European climate goals and the desire to become more independent from fossil fuel, have tasked TenneT to expand the national power grids in support of offshore wind energy.
He added, “TenneT's 2GW programme is based on standardisation and long-term agreements which allow contractors to invest in time to support and de-risk the programme. We welcome the investments of Heerema in barges in support of transport and installation of these DC converters.
This collaboration underscores TenneT's ambition to further strengthen the region's sustainable energy infrastructure, advancing both national and European climate goals.
