Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers B. V.

Witteveen+Bos provided multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy support for TenneT's 'Net op zee Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden' (NOZ TNW) grid connection project, which is intended to connect the Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden offshore wind energy area (around 700 MW) to the Dutch high-voltage grid. The concept described for the connection comprised an offshore platform, two underground cable circuits and an onshore transformer station, with an overall cable route length stated to range between approximately 95 and 120 kilometres depending on the selected route alternative. Within this assignment, Witteveen+Bos developed and compared route alternatives for multiple potential onshore connection locations (Burgum, Vierverlaten and Eemshaven) and supported the preparation of the key decision-making documentation, including the notification of intent/starting memorandum (NRD), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Integral Effect Analysis (IEA) that combined environmental, technical, cost, surroundings and future-proofing considerations. The consultancy also delivered GIS work, an interactive project website, environmental management, and support for permit applications to enable the preferred route option (Eemshaven, per the Minister of Economic Affairs' announcement) to be progressed into the zoning plan and permitting phase.