The Essen-based company says the permit, from the Dutch ministry of transport and hydraulic engineering (Rijkswaterstaat), entitles it to take part in a state tendering procedure for funds for offshore projects that will be held in November.

Current plans call for Tromp Binnen to comprise 59 turbines set on gravity foundations of reinforced concrete. The turbines will be erected 75km off the coast of Callantsoog, in northern Holland, while the onshore substation will be built in Ijmuiden.

RWE Innogy’s footprint on the emerging European offshore wind industry is rapidly expanding. On the continent, it is the majority owner of Belgium’s 300MW Thorntonbank project, which is currently under construction. It is also planning to build the 960MW Innogy Nordsee 1 in the German North Sea, 40km from the island of Juist.

Through its subsidiary npower renewables, RWE Innogy owns the UK’s first operational offshore wind farm, the 60MW North Hoyle project off the coast of Wales, as well as the under-construction 90MW Rhyl Flats.

It is also developing the Gwynt y Môr wind farm, and holds a 50% stake in Greater Gabbard, which will have a capacity of 500MW upon its completion in 2011.