TenneT selects NextGeo for marine route survey offshore Netherlands

Italy’s Next Geosolutions (NextGeo) has recently been awarded a significant contract by TenneT, the Dutch-German transmission system operator. This contract, valued at approximately €43 million, will see NextGeo conduct a comprehensive marine route survey in the Netherlands. The project is crucial for the development of new cable connections that will link the Doordewind area to the onshore electrical grid. Scheduled to take place between late 2025 and early 2026, this initiative represents a key step in advancing offshore wind energy in the region.

Scope of the Marine Route Survey

The marine route survey encompasses extensive geophysical and geotechnical activities, both offshore and nearshore, within the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone. NextGeo will utilize advanced technical solutions to perform geophysical investigations and geotechnical sampling across an area exceeding 21,000 hectares. This thorough investigation is essential for the design of the cable connections that will facilitate the integration of offshore wind energy into the European electrical grid.

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Gianluca Iacomino, Project Director at NextGeo, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “With this project, we continue to maintain our collaboration with TenneT, which has remained uninterrupted since 2020.” This ongoing partnership highlights the commitment of both organizations to advancing renewable energy solutions. The operational activities are set to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2025 and are expected to continue until the fourth quarter of the same year. This timeline allows for meticulous planning and execution, ensuring that all necessary assessments are completed before the cable connections are constructed.

Supporting Offshore Wind Energy Development

This marine route survey is part of TenneT’s ambitious 2 GW program, which aims to develop high-voltage direct current (HVDC) grid connections. The goal is to integrate 2 GW of offshore wind energy into the European electrical grid by 2031. The Doordewind zone, which consists of two sites of 2 GW each, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. It is also a key component of the Dutch Government’s Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap 2030, designed to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy in the Netherlands.

The Doordewind I and Doordewind II projects are slated for auction in 2027, with commissioning expected by 2031. This timeline aligns with the Netherlands’ broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in offshore wind energy, the country aims to meet its climate goals and contribute to the European Union’s energy transition. The collaboration between NextGeo and TenneT is a significant step toward realizing these objectives, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support a sustainable energy future.