The development of the Dutch electricity infrastructure takes another step forward with the signing of a realization agreement between SSE Renewables, the APB/APG consortium, and grid operator TenneT. This agreement covers the connection of the IJmuiden Ver Alpha offshore wind farm to the national electricity transmission network.
A 2GW offshore infrastructure in development
Located 60 kilometers off the Dutch coast, IJmuiden Ver Alpha is the first wind farm to be connected under the new 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) standard. The generated electricity will be transmitted to the Borssele converter station, where it will be converted into alternating current before being injected into the high-voltage grid to supply end users.
The goal of this connection is to optimize the capacity of the Dutch offshore grid by facilitating the integration of large-scale offshore wind installations. TenneT, responsible for electricity transmission infrastructure in the Netherlands, plans to commission this connection by the end of 2029.
A consortium structured around institutional investors
The IJmuiden Ver Alpha project was awarded in June 2024 to the consortium comprising pension fund ABP, its asset manager APG, and wind developer SSE Renewables. This alliance is based on a long-term investment strategy in energy infrastructure, supporting the expansion of the offshore wind market in the Netherlands.
APG, a major institutional investor, demonstrates the growing interest of pension funds in energy assets with long-term profitability. SSE Renewables, a specialist in wind energy development, contributes its expertise in offshore infrastructure engineering and construction.
Perspectives on the Dutch wind energy market
The Netherlands continues to expand its offshore electricity production capacity with a strategy focused on scaling up large wind farms. The IJmuiden Ver Alpha project aligns with this approach, supported by a regulatory framework that promotes the deployment of high-capacity direct current connections.
With increasing institutional investment in this sector, the evolution of technical standards like 2GW HVDC could redefine the economic models of offshore wind energy. The agreement signed between SSE Renewables, APG, and TenneT represents a significant step in this direction.
