Netherlands Offshore wind system integration 2030-2040

Due to the Netherlands ambition to become climate neutral in 2050, the energy system is undergoing substantial change. An increasing share of the energy generated will come from weather-dependent renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has investigated how large quantities (31 GW and 38.5 GW) of offshore wind can be integrated into the future energy system. Based on forecast supply and demand profiles and the assumed grid model in the study ‘System Integration Offshore Wind 2030-2040’, it appears that integration via electricity cables will be possible in 2040.

It will require a coordinated approach to landing electricity – taking into account available transmission capacity and timely expansion of the onshore power grid – in combination with onshore electrolysis. Surpluses of electricity can be used to meet growing demand for green hydrogen. Even in case of a low hydrogen import price. Dedicated electrolysis in combination with offshore wind can contribute to prevention of grid congestion.

Large-scale offshore electrolysis is expected to mature in time to offer cost advantages - up to about 13% of the offshore infrastructure costs - over coupled electrolysis on land in the period 2030-2040. This requires further research and timely decision making to factor in long lead times for the realisation of offshore infrastructure, including energy hubs.

Download the full report
A full overview of all results and implications can be found in the report, originally published in Dutch on 21 December 2021. An English translation of the report is now available on the RVO website.
https://offshorewind.rvo.nl/blog/view/76e606cb-45c6-4fd3-85d8-77c768ce34d6/study-system-integration-offshore-wind-2030-2040-in-english

The study “Offshore wind system integration 2030–2040” has been commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO) and was carried out by Guidehouse and Berenschot, in close collaboration with Gasunie and TenneT.