In the realm of offshore renewable energy, the Netherlands holds a unique position. Not only because of their extensive coastline, but also in view of their history of maritime expertise and strong governmental commitment to sustainability.
The Dutch approach
Part of the broader sustainable blue economy, offshore renewable energy has to take into account the complex web of stakeholders. This is also the case in the Dutch North Sea. Being densely populated and highly urbanised, the Dutch aim to benefit from their long history with spatial planning and stakeholder management. And, hopefully, by understanding and leveraging the lessons learned from Dutch policies, the world can look forward to a future where offshore renewables play a central role in addressing the challenges of climate change and energy sustainability.
Pioneering government
On the road to a carbon-neutral energy system in 2035, ambitious targets are set by the Dutch government for both energy production (3GW offshore solar and 21GW of offshore wind by 2030) as well as energy carriers such as hydrogen (4GW by 2030). Perhaps even more ambitious are the underlying policy frameworks. Offshore wind tendering schemes have moved beyond zero-subsidy into qualitative criteria, while multi-use has become the norm within Marine Spatial Planning.
By sharing expertise and insights, we contribute to government-led working groups such as the National North Sea Consultation and the Community of Practice North Sea, leading national associations such as Nederlandse Vereniging Duurzame Energie (NVDE), and on an ad hoc basis within our government. Not only to accelerate the Dutch energy transition, but to ensure the advancement and propagation of best practices.
Science-based public affairs
We are committed to furthering science-led policy. Our DMEC Code of Conduct provides us with the mandate to disseminate science-based strategic policy advice to the Dutch government and Parliament on strategic issues that are likely to have significant long-term social and political consequences. This approach aims to increase the engagement of scientists, researchers and policy makers in order to improve knowledge sharing, methods and policies.
Also, we aim to accelerate the research, development and deployment of wave, tidal, offshore wind and combined Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) technologies. Within Marinerg-i, DMEC leads Dutch research institutes and test facilities such as Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), TU Delft, Deltares, Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), Wageningen University & Research, HZ University of Applied Sciences and TNO. For more information on the NL-MARINERG-i project and its partners please find the overview here.
For an overview of Dutch Innovations, Concepts and Test Facilities click here.
For more information about our public affairs activities, please contact Sander des Tombe.
