TenneT has unveiled plans to retract the first sea cable for the Hollandse Kust (west Beta) offshore wind farm beneath the dunes near Velsen early next week. This announcement signals a significant milestone in the journey towards harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable power generation.
Multiple vessels are poised to appear off the Dutch coast in the imminent days, orchestrating the intricate operation, as TenneT orchestrates the installation of two electricity cables destined to link the offshore wind farm to the mainland. With the conduits for the electricity cables already in position following successful drillings under the dunes, the stage is set for the next phase of this ambitious project.
Robert Koen, the project manager, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming endeavor, stating, “After the cable has been brought ashore, it is pulled into the empty sleeve with a winch – which is located behind the dunes in the Sculpture Park.” This meticulous process ensures seamless connectivity, culminating in the transmission of power to the transformer station on Zeestraat in Wijk aan Zee.
Following the retrieval of the first cable, contractor NBOS will swiftly embark on burying the initial kilometers of the electricity cable both on the beach and at sea, marking substantial progress in the infrastructure development. Koens elucidated on the methodology, revealing, “The Giant 7 then pulls the cable burial machine towards itself again over the seabed. Using powerful water jets, the machine then creates a slot in the seabed where the cable sinks. This slot then closes automatically.”
Strategic measures have been implemented to ensure minimal disruption during the installation process, with designated zones cordoned off twice a week preceding the cable retraction. Additionally, water sports in the vicinity of the designated area will be temporarily prohibited to facilitate the seamless execution of operations.
Koens affirmed the commitment to relentless progress, stating, “Once move-in has begun, work on the beach and at sea continues 24/7 until the job is completed.” This unwavering dedication underscores the collaborative effort driving forward the realization of renewable energy initiatives, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
