Dutch Government Postpones Offshore Wind Tenders Over Low Bidder Interest

The Dutch government has postponed tenders for two offshore wind farms totaling 2GW capacity due to a lack of interest from potential bidders, primarily because the current zero-subsidy policy has made projects financially unviable for major developers like Ørsted and Eneco. Originally scheduled for September, the government now plans to open a tender for only one 1GW location in the North Sea later this year. The ministry is exploring ways to reintroduce subsidies, including financial support mechanisms such as minimum and maximum price guarantees, to improve the investment climate and attract bidders. This follows the Netherlands' decision last year to delay its offshore wind capacity expansion goals from 2030 to 2032, citing costs, supply chain issues, and decision-making challenges. Climate Minister Sophie Hermans is expected to release detailed plans for future tenders by the third quarter. The government emphasizes that the postponed sites are not removed but will be tendered at a later date as part of a revised offshore wind action plan.