VAWOZ

Overview of all projects to improve energy infrastructure

Offshore wind energy is an important source of energy for the Netherlands. We transmit the energy we generate in the North Sea to shore via power cables and hydrogen pipelines. We then connect them to the high-voltage grid and the national hydrogen network. The Offshore Wind Landfall Connections Program (VAWOZ) is investigating where we can bring wind energy from future wind energy areas in the North Sea ashore.

Moerdijk is being evaluated as a potential location for the power to come ashore via an underground cable. The power’s arrival in Moerdijk depends, among other things, on the timely construction of a new 380/150 kV substation in Moerdijk. A converter station is required at the point where a connection comes ashore. In such a station, the incoming power is converted from direct current to alternating current. The alternating current is suitable for the high-voltage connections on land.

The image above shows a rendering of a 2-gigawatt converter station. Source: TenneT.

Where is this location?

The VAWOZ (Offshore Wind Landfall Connections) program is investigating where cables from offshore wind turbines can come ashore in the Moerdijk port area. One location near Moerdijk is still under consideration. The cables will come ashore on the east side and run to a site designated for a converter station. They will then be connected to the new Port of Moerdijk high-voltage substation. VAWOZ is also seeking space for an electrolyzer—a facility that produces green hydrogen using electricity generated from wind energy.

Diagram showing cable routes and the location of the preferred alternative

Source: VAWOZ Draft Program – Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, May 22, 2026

What is the latest update?

On May 22, 2026, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy published the draft program. It outlines the most promising routes and locations. From May 22 through July 2, 2026, the public was invited to submit comments. The ministry is reviewing these comments and will take them into account when drafting the final program. The final program will be published in late 2026.

Comments from the Municipality of Moerdijk

June 23, 2026: Moerdijk Municipality’s comments on the draft program
December 3, 2025: VAWOZ 2040 Regional Advisory Opinion
April 2, 2024: Moerdijk’s Statement of Views on c-NRD VAWOZ 2031–2040

Planning

Adoption of the Program

Late 2026
Initiate land-use planning procedures to finalize routes and locations

Starting in 2027

Contact

The construction of the routes and landfall sites will be TenneT projects. These will not begin until the program has been finalized. The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) will be responsible for the zoning procedure when the time comes. Under the heading “More Info,” you’ll find a link to their website. If you have any questions for the municipality of Moerdijk, please send an email to powerport@moerdijk.nl.