The global push towards renewable energy is steadily gaining momentum, with many countries setting ambitious targets to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions. The Netherlands is no exception, and the recent installation of the first wind turbine at the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind park is a testament to its commitment to clean energy.
The offshore wind farm, located in the North Sea, is being developed by CrossWind, a joint venture between Shell and Eneco. It is set to have a total of 69 Siemens Gamesa 11.0-200 DD wind turbines, each with the capacity to generate up to 11MW of clean energy. This project is a significant milestone for the Netherlands, which has set a target of achieving 100% carbon-neutral electricity generation by 2050.
The rotor diameter of the wind turbines is an impressive 200 meters, and the turbine blades will be 97 meters long. The turbines will be transported and installed by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Van Oord, a leading offshore contractor, with the help of the offshore installation vessel Scylla. The installation process is taking place 24 hours a day and seven days a week, with the aim of supplying the first power to the Dutch grid by this summer and achieving full operations by the end of this year.
Once operational, the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind park is expected to produce at least 3.3TWh of clean energy per year. This is enough to meet 2.8% of the country's electricity demand, making a significant contribution to the Netherlands' goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The project is a clear indication of the country's commitment to green energy and its determination to play its part in combating climate change.
The installation of the first wind turbine is a crucial milestone in the development of the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind park. CrossWind's wind turbine generator (WTG) package manager, Stefan Hartman, explained that the blade installation process would commence only if the wind speed was below 12m/s, which is considered the limit for safe installation. This highlights the challenges involved in offshore wind power generation and the importance of careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
