RWE Innogy forms consortium with EDPR and Macquarie to bid for 3.5GW Dutch power projects

German RWE Innogy has formed a consortium with Spanish EDP Renewables and Australian-based Macquarie Capital to bid for upcoming offshore wind projects in the Netherlands.

Initially, the consortium will be participating in the first tender round for the Borssele I and II offshore wind projects, which have a cumulative capacity for 700MW of renewable energy.

Macquarie Capital will serve the role of a financial adviser for the consortium.

The firms intend to take part in the five large tender processes for developing 700MW projects, which will be held by the Dutch government between 2015 and 2019.

The projects are in line with the government’s plan to increase the Netherlands’ current offshore wind capacity by 3.5GW, and have been planned to be constructed within three designated zones including Borssele, South-Holland Coast and North-Holland Coast.

Borssele I and II projects, each of which is expected to have a power generation capacity of 350 MW, will be located near the southern border of the Dutch exclusive economic zone (EEZ), around 0.5km from the Belgian EEZ.

First tender process for the projects is likely to start on 1 December this year and be completed by 31 March 2016.

The winning bidder from the process is likely to be announced by the beginning of July next year.

RWE Innogy CEO Hans Bünting said: "The formation of this consortium is an important step on the way to participate in the upcoming tender process in the Netherlands.

"Macquarie Capital’s outstanding financial skills and strength, and EDP Renewables offshore wind experience complement perfectly our knowledge and experience in the development, construction and operation of offshore wind farms as Europe’s third largest offshore wind farm operator.

"This strong and experienced consortium is committed to prepare for submitting a competitive bid and to win the tender process for Borssele I and II."