Shell and Eneco have agreed to collaboratively take part in the offshore wind tender process for the Hollandse Kust (west) (HKW) VI and VII lots located offshore from the Netherlands.

The two companies will submit their bids through their two joint venture (JV) firms, Ecowende and SchakelWind.

Ecowende will bid for HKW VI, while SchakelWind will submit an offer for HKW VII.

Located 53km from the Dutch coast, HKW VI and VII will have the capacity to meet 6% of the Netherlands’ total electricity demand. Both facilities are due to be commissioned in 2026.

Eneco chief strategic growth officer Kees-Jan Rameau said: “With these joint ventures, we will be able to further the energy transition in the Netherlands together with Shell, both at sea and on land and in all sectors.

“We will solve a number of important issues and thus make an important contribution to achieving the objectives in the Dutch Climate Agreement.”

Through the Ecowende JV, Shell and Eneco aim to develop offshore wind farms to create a net positive impact on nature.

The JV aims to build an offshore wind farm with an ecosystem that has a minimal impact on birds and bats, as well as an ‘undisturbed underwater world’.

SchakelWind aims to achieve a ‘new benchmark’ in the integration of offshore wind farms to benefit the Dutch Energy System.

The JV plans to invest across the country together with companies to advance offshore wind electricity in the Dutch national grid and energy systems.

Shell Netherlands president director Marjan van Loon said: “We are taking the next step by enabling the large-scale roll-out of offshore wind, in collaboration with Eneco.

“Through our bids for Hollandse Kust (west), we are investing significantly in the production of green energy and hydrogen.

“In this way, we work responsibly, and together with our customers, on a broader and cleaner energy system in the Netherlands.”