SSE and Dutch Pension Fund to Jointly Bid for IJmuiden Ver Offshore Wind Zones

SSE Renewables and APG, the largest pension provider in the Netherlands, have formed a consortium for participation in the upcoming 4 GW IJmuiden Ver offshore wind farm zone tenders.

SSE Renewables and APG, acting on behalf of Dutch pension fund ABP, aim for the development of a large-scale offshore wind energy project in the Dutch North Sea. Both companies view the Netherlands as a leading market for offshore wind development, supported by ambitious targets and a strong focus on innovation.

The IJmuiden Ver tenders are for the award of permits to develop the four individual 1 GW sites within the IJmuiden Ver Zone located approximately 62 kilometres off the Dutch coast.

The four tenders will have a clear focus on ecological protection and enhancement in the North Sea as well as on optimal integration into the Dutch energy system.

Furthermore, Circularity and International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) are key priorities for the Dutch government. Criteria and other elements of the procedures are expected to be published in early 2023, with the application window expected to be opened in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Last month, ABP announced its intention to develop offshore wind energy sites in the Netherlands. To realise this, it set up the ‘Noordzeker coalition’ to contribute to plans of the Dutch government to generate approximately 21 GW of energy – approximately 75 per cent of current electricity consumption – from offshore wind by 2030.

”We are very excited to partner with SSE Renewables for the IJmuiden Ver tenders next year. Their experience and expertise in participating in these tenders, constructing the assets and operating a very sizable, worldwide portfolio of offshore wind farms make them the ideal partner for APG. The consortium partners are committed to invest a large amount of capital to support the Dutch energy transition, with particular focus on ecological innovation and integration into the broader energy system. The partnership is the first step of many in realizing ABP’s ambitions through its Noordzeker initiative,” Peter Branner, Chief Investment Officer at APG, said.

Through Noordzeker, ABP is seeking collaboration with knowledge institutes, industry, societal organizations and national, regional and local governments. APG, in the capacity of ABP’s asset manager, will be responsible for the execution of the Noordzeker coalition goals, in which the consortium (APG – SSE Renewables) will hold a vital role.

”I am delighted that we are partnering with APG through Noordzeker, on the upcoming IJmuiden Ver offshore wind farm zone tenders, given their significant operating experience and their wider investments in the Netherlands. Both partners are experienced innovators and committed to ensuring that offshore wind is developed in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem,” Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director, SSE Renewables said.

”We look forward to collaborating with APG, Dutch authorities, the industry, NGO’s and other parties concerned – to help secure energy supply for the Netherlands in these turbulent times, drive innovations benefitting energy systems integration, and to continue putting offshore wind at the forefront of fighting climate change.”

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