Vattenfall, the Swedish energy company, recently announced the completion of the installation of the last turbine in the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone in the project. The Dutch wind farm, with a total capacity of 1540MW, began construction almost two years ago and is set to become officially operational later this year.
Over the next few months, the interior of the turbines will undergo further completion and rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance. Project Director Ian Bremner expressed great pride in reaching this crucial stage, emphasizing its significance not only for Vattenfall but also for the project's partners, suppliers, and contractors who played a vital role in its realization.
Hollandse Kust Zuid stands out as the world's first subsidy-free offshore wind farm, positioning it as a trailblazer in the industry. Bremner and his team eagerly anticipate delivering this ground-breaking project, which showcases the potential of offshore wind as a clean, competitive, and domestically sourced energy solution for Europe.
David Molenaar, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa in the Netherlands, also expressed his delight at the final installation, hailing it as their largest-ever offshore project. The nacelles, crucial components of the turbines, were manufactured at Siemens Gamesa's facility in Cuxhaven, Germany, while the blades were sourced from Aalborg, Denmark. Molenaar emphasized that this achievement once again underscores the wind industry's ability to provide Europe with energy security through its own renewable resources.
Siemens Gamesa received invaluable support from Cadeler's Wind Osprey vessel, which facilitated the transport and installation of all 139 offshore wind turbines. Although one fewer turbine was installed compared to the initial plan of 140, the project remained highly successful. Last year, a foundation sustained severe damage due to a collision with the cargo ship Julietta D, which lost power during a storm and veered into the wind farm area. Considering the extent of the damage, it was deemed imprudent to install a full turbine at that particular location.
Following consultation with partners, contractors, and authorities, the decision was made not to replace the damaged foundation. Instead, plans are underway to remove it in 2024. At present, there are no definitive plans for the vacant space, but the stakeholders involved will explore suitable options going forward.
The completion of the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm stands as a testament to the advancements and achievements within the renewable energy sector. As the turbines undergo final preparations and testing, the project paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the Netherlands and beyond.
