Abstract
Offshore wind energy constitutes a critical component in the the worldwide energy transition to combat energy-related CO2 emissions. As a result, the Netherlands will significantly boost its offshore wind power capacity from 1 GW in 2019 to 11.5 GW in 2030. However, stil a large gap exists between the planned and actual installed capacity of offshore wind parks. So, despite continuous efforts since the 1970s, offshore wind energy plays only a limited role in the Dutch energy system. The aim of this thesis is to investigate how policy can foster the development of offshore wind parks in the Netherlands. The research is twofold. The study is two-folded. On the one hand, the history of the slow development of offshore wind parks in the Netherlands is investigated. On the other hand, recommendations are explored as to how policy may help in the implementation of future offshore wind parks and the aspired sustainability targets. Positioned in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS), research is devoted to understanding offshore wind parks as a sociotechnical system. Different transition stages are defined and the niche-regime interaction is studied. In order to do so, the method of this thesis relies on the Strategic Niche Management (SNM) framework, whilst lending terminology from Multi-Level Perspective and Transition Management. A literature study is presented, which compiles a history of policy support for offshore wind parks over 50 years in the Netherlands. As a result, this thesis presents a chronological review of Dutch offshore wind park developments through the niche internal processes of shielding, nurturing and empowering. Consequently, the results of the analysis are contrasted with the wider scientific literature landscape on the energy transition. Moreover, limitations are elobared upon. Lastly, this thesis conludes on the main findings of the analysis and provides detailed policy recommendations on how policy can support the development of Dutch offshore wind parks in this decade.