British utility SSE PLC has confirmed plans, alongside joint venture partner APG, to progress with the 2 GW Alpha offshore wind project off the west coast of the Netherlands.
According to SSE's statement on Tuesday, the proposed station is slated to commence operations in the North Sea by the end of the decade, pending a final investment decision (FID) expected by late 2025.
Following a successful bid in a 4 GW auction held by Dutch authorities earlier this year, a consortium comprising SSE, Dutch pension fund ABP, and APG secured a permit to construct and operate a wind farm in the IJmuiden Ver Wind Farm Zone.
Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will lease the Alpha site for a 40-year period, with an annual payment of approximately EUR 1 million (USD 1.08 million). Additionally, a performance bond linked to the wind farm's timely completion will be established. The consortium will also reimburse EUR 20 million to cover the costs of environmental impact assessments and offshore site studies already completed by Dutch authorities.
The IJmuiden Ver Alpha project will be situated approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) off the coast of Ijmuiden. It is projected to generate electricity equivalent to approximately 7% of current Dutch demand.
This initiative aligns with the Dutch government's ambitious targets to tender 21 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2032 and 50 GW by 2040, contributing significantly to national renewable energy goals.
