The tender for a new 1 GW offshore wind farm in the North Sea closed without a single bid, marking a setback for the Netherlands’ energy policy. Rising costs and lower-than-expected electricity demand deterred investors, prompting the government to reconsider its strategy: subsidies are now expected to be reintroduced in future auctions to secure the development of the offshore wind sector.

Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are scrapping negative bidding in offshore wind auctions and adopting Contracts for Difference (CfDs) after years of failed tenders and stalled investment. WindEurope hails the shift as key to cutting costs and accelerating offshore expansion.

Wales’ natural deep-water ports, proximity to major leasing zones and strong supply chains position the nation as a key hub for offshore wind. The sector could create 29,000 jobs and £4.5 billion in economic value by 2030.

The UK and Scottish Governments have signed an agreement unlocking £25 million of investment and projecting over 11,000 jobs in the next 25 years, attracting £6.5 billion to turn the region into an international offshore wind and renewables hub.

The Government has postponed the bidding process until October 6–7, 2025, to give potential participants more time to prepare and ensure stronger competition at competitive prices.

The Bundesverband Windenergie Offshore (BWO) calls for a practical approach to applying the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), warning that excessive bureaucracy could hinder investment and jeopardize offshore wind expansion. “The NZIA is an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s offshore wind supply chain, but only if implemented with agility and clarity,” says Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of BWO.