Invest-NL explores funding opportunities for innovative Maripark concept

The energy transition and sustainable growth in the Netherlands require innovative solutions. The Maripark concept, which combines offshore wind farms with other sea-based activities, offers opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs and contributes to a more efficient and sustainable utilization of the North Sea. However, this concept currently lacks sufficient funding options to develop further. Invest-NL examined the impact potential and possible funding routes for a Maripark.

The Maripark combines offshore wind energy with other activities, such as food production, solar energy and nature restoration, without disturbing the biodiversity at sea. The Maripark concept has great potential but requires significant investments. On behalf of Invest-NL and in collaboration with RVO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Deloitte investigated the economic impact of a Maripark and potential routes to finance such a concept.

Demonstrating and Scaling Technologies at Sea

The study shows that a Maripark offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to demonstrate and scale their technologies at sea, such as solar and wave energy, seaweed cultivation and mussel farming. This attracts capital and creates new sources of income. Additionally, it offers positive societal and ecological impacts and contributes to the Dutch climate objectives.

Exploring New Financing Routes

The Maripark concept requires substantial investments that regular national and European funds cannot fully cover. The National Growth Fund provided opportunities to further develop the concept. With the winding down of the National Growth Fund, new financing options need to be explored further. Deloitte's research provides clear recommendations for further stakeholder engagement and in-depth economic impact analyses to further develop and finance the concept. Invest-NL continues to support these developments and sees great opportunities to realise the Maripark concept in the future.