The Netherlands will open applications for permits, including subsidies, for two significant offshore wind farms in 2026. These projects, named IJmuiden Ver Gamma-A and Gamma-B, are each expected to have a capacity of 1 GW, contributing a combined total of 2 GW to the national grid.

Expanded Tender Plans

Originally, the Dutch government had planned to auction only the IJmuiden Ver Gamma-A site in late September or early October 2026. However, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy announced an updated plan to include the Gamma-B site as well. This expanded tender brings the total capacity offered to 2 GW, with both sites to be awarded under a temporary subsidy scheme.

The temporary subsidy scheme aims to mitigate investment risks and encourage developer participation before the permanent Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism is implemented from mid-2027. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) anticipates that the tender process for both sites will conclude in December 2026.

Timeline and Subsidy Details

Subsidy decisions and associated permits are expected to be granted in the first quarter of 2027. Electricity generation from these wind farms is projected to commence in 2032. The maximum subsidy for IJmuiden Ver Gamma-B is set at USD 0.12 per kilowatt-hour, which is slightly lower than for Gamma-A due to the higher expected wind yields at the Gamma-B location.

The simultaneous tendering of Gamma-A and Gamma-B has led to a delay in the Gamma-A procedure, moving its closure from late September/early October to December. This adjustment aligns with developers' requests for additional preparation time, which is particularly challenging during the summer holiday period in September, as noted in a letter to Parliament by Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer, the Minister of Climate and Green Growth.

Infrastructure and Grid Connection

Both wind farms will be connected to a single offshore platform operated by TenneT. The electricity generated will then be transported ashore at Maasvlakte. The RVO noted that simultaneous licensing and connection of both sites to the same platform will reduce costs, shorten construction time, and optimize grid utilization.

This synchronized approach also ensures the best possible use of the offshore grid, as stated in a press release by RVO. The combined output of these two projects is estimated to generate enough electricity to power approximately 2 million households.

Regulatory Process

Draft tender regulations for IJmuiden Ver Gamma-B mirror those for Gamma-A. A six-week online consultation for the Gamma-B draft regulation will allow developers to provide input for the final version, which, along with the final regulations for Gamma-A, is expected to be published in the second quarter of 2026.

The regulatory framework represents a significant step in the Netherlands' offshore wind development program, with the two projects marking a substantial increase in the country's renewable energy capacity through coordinated offshore wind farm development.

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