Permit for Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden I wind farm

Which area is involved?  

The total area of the new wind farm (including maintenance and safety zones) is approximately 111 km2. The existing Gemini wind farms (600 MW) are adjacent to the site, within the same wind farm zone.  

The TNW I wind farm will supply 700 MW of power to the Dutch electricity grid. Therefore, grid operator TenneT is installing an offshore platform with a grid connection to bring the electricity generated to shore via the high-voltage grid.

Planning

It is currently unknown when we will issue a permit for this wind farm. In December 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy decided that further research was needed to select a route for the offshore-to-shore landing of the power cables from the TNWWFZ. Therefore, the permitting procedure (tender) for this wind farm zone did not take place in 2022, as originally planned.

Preparatory decision has been taken

The Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth (KGG) and the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) issued a preparatory decision on 24 April 2025 regarding the TNW I site.

A preparatory decision prevents developments in the area that would hinder or make construction of the project impossible. If municipalities or provinces receive a permit application for construction and/or other work in this area, they must take this preparatory decision into account.

Possible merger of sites

The Offshore Wind Energy Action Plan of 16 September 2025 includes a proposal to add the TNW I site to the sites in the Doordewind Wind Farm Zone. This will create more space to generate the same amount of electricity. It will occur within the area designated for offshore wind farms. Ultimately, this will lead to higher yields per wind turbine and better use of the infrastructure. In early 2026, the Minister will decide whether the merger will proceed.

What preparations have already been made?

A lot of preparatory work has already been done for the TNW I site:  

• The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is ready.
• A draft Wind Farm Site Decision (WFSD) is being prepared.
• Site studies and other studies have already been conducted.

The EIA ensures that we adequately consider impacts on the environment. Site studies examine, among other things, wind speed, water depth and soil conditions in wind farm zones. We use the results to issue WFSDs, which specify the precise locations and conditions for construction.

Would you like more information about the history of this site and status of procedures? Then take a look at the page Wind op zee - Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden kavel I (in Dutch).