Prysmian contributes to TenneT’s 2GW offshore grid program in the Netherlands
The IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1 projects are part of TenneT’s 2GW Program, one of the largest offshore grid expansion programs in Europe and a key pillar of the Dutch energy transition.Together, these projects will bring 4 GW of offshore wind capacity ashore, enough to supply approximately 4 million households in the Netherlands with renewable electricity.
Bringing offshore wind energy to land at scale
TenneT aims to connect approximately 21 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Dutch North Sea by 2032, with further growth towards 40 GW by 2050.
To enable this, a standardized grid connection concept has been developed based on 525 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. Compared to the previous generation of 700 MW connections, this concept significantly increases transmission capacity while reducing offshore infrastructure and environmental impact.
Prysmian’s role: complete cable transmission systems
Prysmian was awarded both projects in 2023, representing a total contract value of approximately €1.8 billion.
For IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1, Prysmian is responsible for the full delivery of the cable transmission systems, including:
- Design and engineering
- Manufacturing of cable systems
- Supply of accessories
- Fibre optic communication systems
- Offshore and onshore cable installation
- Jointing, testing and commissioning
In total, Prysmian will deliver and install almost 400 km of 525 kV HVDC cable systems.
Cable system design and configuration
Each connection consists of:
- Two single-core ±525 kV HVDC power cables
- One metallic return cable
- One fibre optic cable for communication, monitoring and asset management
The project scope includes:
- IJmuiden Ver Alpha
Approx. 176 km total route (164 km offshore)
Planned commissioning in 2029
- Nederwiek 1
Approx. 217 km total route (208 km offshore)
Planned commissioning in 2030
Advanced HVDC and sustainable insulation technology
These projects are among the first in the world to deploy Prysmian’s 525 kV XLPE HVDC cable technology at this scale, enabling transmission capacities of up to 2 GW per connection.
For the land cable sections, Prysmian uses its proprietary P-Laser insulation technology, which is fully recyclable and offers a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional insulation systems.
Converter station: the link between offshore and onshore
The electricity generated by offshore wind farms is transported to Zeeland, where TenneT is constructing converter stations.
At these stations, the incoming 525 kV HVDC electricity is converted into 380 kV AC electricity, allowing it to be fed into the Dutch high-voltage transmission grid and distributed across the country.
The converter station acts as the critical interface between offshore wind generation and end users.
Collaboration across the value chain
The realization of these projects involves close cooperation between multiple partners:
- TenneT – Client and transmission system operator
- Dura Vermeer – Construction of converter stations
- NRG – Onshore cable installation works
- DEME – Offshore installation support and Veerse Meer crossing
Supporting the energy transition
IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1 highlight Prysmian’s contribution to the development of offshore renewable energy in the Netherlands.
They demonstrate technological leadership in HVDC cable systems and support TenneT’s ambition to transform the North Sea into one of Europe’s largest sources of renewable electricity.