Comprehensive effects analysis of the VAWOZ programme

For the Offshore Wind Connections Programme (VAWOZ) of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, CE Delft, together with Arcadis and Haskoning, carried out an Integrated Effects Assessment (IEA). The draft VAWOZ programme and the Integrated Effects Assessment were published on 22 May 2026.

The Netherlands is increasingly generating and using its own renewable energy in order to reduce dependence on other countries for its energy supply and to improve security of supply. In addition, this contributes to sustainability and the achievement of climate targets. Offshore wind energy plays a major role in this transition. The energy generated in offshore wind energy areas must be brought ashore via electricity cables and connected to the high-voltage grid. The draft VAWOZ programme describes the promising routes for cables and the locations for converter stations.

This Integrated Effects Assessment contains the substantive analyses underpinning the VAWOZ (draft) programme. The IEA examines the effects of electricity connections, hydrogen connections and large-scale electrolysis across six themes: System Integration, Environment & Spatial Planning, Technology & Costs, Broad Prosperity, Surroundings, and Future Robustness.

CE Delft was responsible for the System Integration and Broad Prosperity components and also contributed to the Future Robustness component.

The reports are only available in Dutch.

• For the System Integration component, the impact of offshore wind landfall on the energy system and energy infrastructure was assessed. This included an analysis of which offshore wind landfalls are feasible (per region and at national level), as well as the key uncertainties and dependencies.
  • Beoordeling systeemintegratie. Bijlage B – IEA Programma VAWOZ
  • Oplegger IEA pVAWOZ. Nieuwe netdoorrekeningen TenneT o.b.v. scenario’s. IP2026 (30 GW scenario)
• For the Broad Prosperity component, the welfare effects of offshore wind landfalls were mapped from the broadest possible welfare perspective using the methodology of a Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA).
  • Beoordeling Brede welvaart (economie). Verkenning van welvaartseffecten. Bijlage F – IEA pVAWOZ
• For the Future Robustness component, an outlook towards 2050 was developed, including an assessment of the timeline for the period 2031–2040. This involved examining technological developments, the timely realisation of the energy infrastructure required for offshore wind landfall, and the development of electricity and hydrogen supply and demand per region and across the Netherlands.
  • Beoordeling Toekomstvastheid. Bijlage G – IEA Programma VAWOZ

More information about the VAWOZ (draft) programme and the other documents relating to the Integrated Effects Assessment can be found on the RVO project page (only available in Dutch).

* Because preparations for offshore hydrogen have been temporarily paused, no decisions are currently being made based on the research results. Furthermore, the VAWOZ programme is not currently deciding on possible locations for onshore hydrogen production (electrolysis).