The Dutch government will give developers seeking no subsidy the first chance to bid for the next 700MW chunk of offshore wind available off its coast, reflecting the “rapid pace” of cost reductions in the sector and recent zero-bidding in Germany.

Economics minister Henk Kamp said if no zero-subsidy bids are forthcoming this autumn for the Hollandse Kust South 1&2 projects of 350MW each, a new process with a subsidy element attached will then be launched.