More space for offshore wind energy will be created while preserving room for fisheries. At the same time, consideration is given to mining, shipping, defence, nature, coastal protection, sand extraction and maritime heritage. This forms the basis for the Dutch government’s plans for the North Sea.
For this reorganisation, the Dutch government has earmarked an investment package of EUR 1.7 billion. The funds will be used to ensure maritime safety and to study conditions for offshore wind energy sites. In addition, the budget will support fisheries and the strengthening of nature at sea, among other things.
The Council of Ministers has decided, among other measures, to:
- Acquire additional emergency towing vessels and ensure they operate on the North Sea 24/7 in case of emergencies. Investments will also be made in additional sensors to better monitor activities at sea.
- Designate additional areas for offshore wind energy. The new zones could accommodate an indicative 21 GW of wind capacity, on top of previously designated areas of similar scale. This creates space for the 40 GW of offshore wind energy agreed in the coalition agreement.
- Exclude wind turbines from certain areas to protect fisheries, or take fisheries and nature into account in the design of wind farms.
- Expand the reservation zone for sand extraction, enabling its use for flood protection.
Also read: Shipping risks in packed North Sea poorly understood
Bringing all interests together
Vincent Karremans, Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management states: ‘A great deal is happening in our North Sea, which is one and a half times the size of our land area – it is almost a country in itself. Shipping, sand extraction, coastal defence, defence training areas, but we also want to generate energy, protect marine life and leave space for our fishermen. Today marks a major step in bringing all these interests together into a healthy, attractive and economically strong North Sea.’
‘We are taking an important step towards investing in energy security and affordable, domestically produced energy,’ adds Minister Stientje van Veldhoven for Climate and Green Growth. ‘We see now more than ever how necessary this is. Offshore wind energy is indispensable for powering our homes, vehicles and economy, and is essential for reducing climate impacts.’
State Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Silvio Erkens concludes: ‘The fisheries sector needs certainty and a clear future perspective, as agreed in the North Sea Agreement. This remains a key priority for this government. A balanced approach that safeguards food production and supports nature restoration continues to form the basis for developing new areas. This decision underlines that commitment.’
Also read: Rijksrederij wants electric emergency tugs for the North Sea
