The Netherlands: RWE Innogy, EDP Renewables and Macquarie Capital consortium to participate in Dutch offshore tender process

RWE Innogy, EDP Renewables and Macquarie Capital have formed a consortium to participate in the upcoming offshore wind tender processes in the Netherlands. The consortium will focus initially on the first auction round for Borssele I and II with a total capacity of 700 MW.

Hans Bünting, Chief Executive Officer of RWE Innogy, explains: “The formation of this consortium is an important step on the way to participate in the upcoming tender process in the Netherlands. Macquarie Capital’s outstanding financial skills and strength and EDP Renewables offshore wind experience complement perfectly our knowledge and experience in the development, construction and operation of offshore wind farms as Europe’s third largest offshore wind farm operator. This strong and experienced consortium is committed to prepare for submitting a competitive bid and to win the tender process for Borssele I and II.” Peter Terium, Chief Executive Officer of RWE AG, adds: “We want to further expand our position as a leading developer of offshore wind farms in Europe. The planned participation in the tender process for Borssele is a further step in this direction.”

João Manso Neto, Chief Executive Officer of EDP Renewables, explains: “The combination of the experience and the capability of the three companies forming the Joint Venture makes us a strong candidate in the upcoming offshore wind tender processes being launched by the Dutch authorities. Three leading companies in their respective sectors have come together to form an excellent option for the 700 MW planned to be installed at Borssele I and II.”

Mark Dooley, Head of Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables, Macquarie Capital Europe, said: “Macquarie Capital is delighted to have teamed up with RWE Innogy and EDP Renewables for Borssele I and II given the deep knowledge and experience these partners bring in the offshore wind industry. Macquarie Capital has made a strong move into other European offshore wind markets and our long standing presence in the Dutch infrastructure and utilities markets positions us well for these projects.“ Macquarie Capital will also act as financial advisor to the consortium.

Five large tenders in the next five years for offshore wind energy in the Netherlands

To increase the current capacity of offshore wind by 3,500 MW, the Dutch government will tender five wind farm sites of 700 MW each between 2015 and 2019. These sites are within three designated zones – Borssele, South-Holland Coast and North-Holland Coast. Each zone is divided into two plots of 350 MW each. Each plot will be tendered separately.

The newly formed consortium will focus initially on the first tender process for the Borssele I and II plots. The first tender process related to Borssele I and II with a capacity of 350 MW each is expected to commence on 1 December 2015 and to end on 31 March 2016. After the expiration of the bid deadline, the Dutch government has 13 weeks to determine the winning bidder. Therefore the award decision is expected at the beginning of July 2016 the latest.