The Dutch Senate has adopted a new law on offshore wind energy, thus making a crucial step in the transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
Offshore wind energy is one of the main pillars of the Dutch Energy Agreement (Energieakkoord). The European target of 14% of renewable energy by 2020 requires some catching up, and the Netherlands is now closer than ever with the new law in force.
With the new law, ministers Kamp (Economic Affairs) and Schultz van Haegen (Infrastructure and the Environment) have created a clear framework for a stable and efficient deployment of wind energy projects in the North Sea, the Dutch Wind Energy Association (NWEA) pointed out.
Hans Timmers, chairman of NWEA , said: “With the new offshore wind energy law, Dutch authorities have created framework conditions to build offshore wind farms at the lowest possible cost. This is of great importance for the growth of renewable energy and represents a major boost for employment. Achieving the goals of the Energy Agreement is yet another big step closer. “
Offshore wind energy law contributes to cost reduction, boosts employment
The government has been working with the industry to advance this law for years. The Dutch industry can now take steps to prove that the long term cost of offshore wind power can be further reduced. In addition to the necessary innovations, this also gives a big boost to employment, which is estimated to 40,000 full-time jobs in both onshore and offshore wind in 2023.
From next year, offshore wind will power one million households
The existing wind farms and those under construction in the Dutch North Sea together account for nearly 1,000 megawatt. Starting next year, enough electricity will be produced to power about one million homes. Thanks to the law adopted yesterday, 3,500 megawatts of offshore wind could be added in the coming years, and even more in the future.
Offshore WIND Staff; Image: Eneco