A coalition of 21 companies and organisations in the Dutch offshore wind sector is urging the government to clarify the tender schedule for its 21GW offshore wind roadmap and to introduce stronger financial support mechanisms to ensure continued development.
The group, which includes major industry players such as RWE, Vestas, Ocean Winds, Ørsted, Vattenfall, and the Dutch wind energy association NedZero, has signed a joint call to action directed at the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. The call comes after the government delayed tenders for the IJmuiden Ver (IJV) Gamma-A and Gamma-B offshore wind sites, citing difficult market conditions.
“The recent postponement of the tenders for IJmuiden Ver Gamma highlights the challenging phase that the offshore wind industry is currently facing,” RWE said in a statement on behalf of the coalition. “Rising costs for constructing offshore wind farms and the slow pace of industrial electrification have resulted in significant, often unacceptable risks for the development of new offshore projects.”
The coalition is calling for the implementation of a two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfD) model to help mitigate investment risks and provide revenue certainty. It is also urging the government to introduce a fallback mechanism for 2026 if the CfD model is not yet in place.
In addition, the group has requested measures to stimulate demand for renewable electricity, including accelerated industrial electrification and reduced grid tariffs.
Minister Sophie Hermans has announced plans to publish an Action Plan for Offshore Wind, which the sector views as a critical step. “With this call to action, the sector aims to emphasise the urgency of such a plan,” RWE added.
NedZero’s offshore wind specialist André Craens noted, “NedZero is pleased that the minister endorses the urgency of the CfD mechanism and intends to develop it further. Risk sharing with the government is currently crucial to bridge the slowdown in demand for renewable electricity and to maintain investment and capacity in the supply chain.”
Craens also highlighted the need for early government budget planning to support the proposed CfD scheme, warning that delays could stall the country’s energy transition and compromise energy independence goals.
