Dutch King inaugurates largest offshore wind farm

By: Chloe Emanuel 29/09/2023 Vattenfall

General Windfarms

Today marked a momentous occasion in the Netherlands as King Willem-Alexander officially inaugurated the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm, a groundbreaking project that symbolizes a significant stride towards renewable energy and sustainability.

The ceremony took place on the picturesque beach in Ijmuiden, where the King, alongside executives from Vattenfall, BASF, and Allianz, celebrated the completion of Vattenfall's largest offshore wind farm to date. A life-size human wind turbine stood as a testament to the project's innovation and commitment to combatting climate change.

The Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm is strategically located 18–36 kilometers off the Dutch North Sea coast, nestled between the coastal cities of Scheveningen and Zandvoort. This colossal renewable energy venture comprises 139 turbines, boasting a total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW) and an annual fossil-free electricity generation equivalent to powering 1.5 million households.

Helene Biström, Head of Business Area Wind at Vattenfall, expressed her pride in the collaboration, stating, "The realization of a project of this magnitude makes me really proud and today a good example of what we can achieve when we collaborate with industry. Hollandse Kust Zuid will not only contribute to reducing BASF's carbon dioxide emissions, but will also contribute to meeting local companies' and households' demand for fossil-free electricity."

BASF, a key partner in this endeavor, is taking a significant step in reducing its carbon footprint. Dr. Martin Brudermüller, CEO of BASF SE, stated, "About half of the electricity from Hollandse Kust Zuid will be used to reduce the carbon footprint of our products at BASF's facilities in Europe. It is the first major investment by BASF in renewable energy facilities. Being able to participate and implement this also makes me personally very proud and happy."

BASF's commitment extends to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with the shift to fossil-free electricity playing a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious targets.
Allianz, another major participant, is embracing renewable energy investments to align with climate goals. Oliver Bate, CEO of Allianz, emphasized, "Allianz invests in renewable energy on behalf of millions of policyholders and owns more than 100 wind and solar farms. I am pleased that today we open our first direct investment in an offshore wind farm, together with BASF and Vattenfall. This underlines the partnership's ability to catalyze action and bring climate solutions to life."

Hollandse Kust Zuid is not just an energy project; it embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship. Innovative techniques, such as the use of a double bubble screen to dampen underwater noise during construction and enlarged water filling holes in the turbine foundations, ensure minimal impact on marine life. Artificial rock reefs have been added to enhance marine biodiversity.

Furthermore, the wind farm boasts a commitment to circularity, with three turbines featuring recyclable rotor blades. This environmentally conscious approach allows for easier disassembly and reutilization of blade components.
Hollandse Kust Zuid represents a significant step forward in the Dutch government's battle against climate change, providing renewable energy to sustain future generations. Recognized as the world's first subsidy-free wind farm in 2018, it is anticipated to be fully operational in 2024, with maintenance carried out from the port of IJmuiden.
Grid connections for Hollandse Kust Zuid are provided by TenneT, the Dutch power grid company, as part of the nation's offshore wind policy, ensuring standardization and cost savings for wind power developers.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.

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Dutch King inaugurates largest offshore wind farm

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