Vattenfall, in collaboration with SwifterwinT, has reached a pivotal moment in the renewable energy landscape as the 132-megawatt (MW) IJsselmeer onshore wind project in the Netherlands begins supplying power to the grid. The project boasts the installation of 13 turbines, with five of them already fully operational, and testing for the remaining units scheduled in the near future.
The IJsselmeer wind project is set to feature a total of 24 turbines organized in two rows, effectively replacing the 28 turbines of the Irene Vorrink wind farm previously positioned along the dike. These turbines, with a combined capacity of 132 MW, have the potential to generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of more than 130,000 households.
The testing phase will involve a gradual scaling-up of the installed turbines to reach full production capacity, with the power generated during this period being seamlessly integrated into the electricity grid.
The IJsselmeer project is a vital component of the broader Windplanblauw initiative, encompassing 61 turbines distributed across land and water. The entire project is slated for completion in 2024, contributing to the Netherlands' efforts to expand sustainable energy resources.
Matthew May, the project leader from Vattenfall, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating, “The first flow is always a beautiful and important moment for a project. After years of preparation, we are taking the next step towards a fossil-free life. I look forward to completing the remaining turbines as quickly as possible.”