GERMANY - The Utility company RWE became the latest power company to announce its bid in the 1.5GW Hollandse Kust West (HKW) offshore wind tender off the Netherlands, pledging to match part of the giant array with a large electrolyzer for green hydrogen production and what it claims are “unique concepts” to deliver a positive impact on biodiversity.
“Our design proposal for HKW VI integrates innovations to build and operate the wind farm in harmony with the North Sea ecosystem,” said Sven Utermöhlen, chief executive for offshore wind at RWE Renewables.
“To foster local research and businesses, we will also invest in a comprehensive R&D program on offshore wind with leading partners from the Netherlands.
The zero-subsidy tender also includes qualitative criteria. While bidders for the HKW VI need to include ecological measures in their development concept, for HKW VII, they must include investment and innovation that favors the Dutch energy system.
HKW forms part of an ambitious drive to boost the Netherlands’ offshore wind capacity to 21GW by 2030, up from 3GW at the end of last year.
RWE has said its electrolyzer plan linked to HKW VII will be a blueprint for the perfect integration of offshore wind farms into the Dutch energy system. The 600MW facility is planned to provide green H2 to existing partners and new customers within the Dutch industry. The company also intends to integrate e-boilers for heating, battery storage, and charging solutions for electric vehicles.
A decision about the winners for the 53-kilometers offshore wind zone off the Dutch coast is expected at the end of the summer.
Source: RWE