The Netherlands has ambitious targets for CO2 reduction, and the growth of offshore wind energy can make a major contribution to this. Developments are moving fast. Whereas an average capacity of 0.75 gigawatts (GW) was previously the norm, plots of no less than 2 GW have recently been auctioned. What are the opportunities and challenges that this growth brings?
Dutch offshore wind farms since 2016
Since 2016, the size and capacity of offshore wind farms worldwide has steadily increased. Ørsted's Hornsea Wind Farm project off the coast of Yorkshire was one of the world's largest offshore wind farms at its inception. It has several phases, the first of which (Hornsea One) has a capacity of about 1.2 GW on an area of 407 km2. Phase 2 (Hornsea Two) became operational in August 2022 with 1.32 GW. Followed by phase 3 (Hornsea Three) which will deliver 2.9 GW of capacity upon completion. The Danish developer has also now received permission for phase 4 (Hornsea Four) with a planned capacity of 2.6 GW.
The largest operational offshore wind farm in the world is currently located in the Netherlands. Hollandse Kust Zuid consists of 4 parts and 139 turbines with a total capacity of 1.5 GW. The area is divided into four lots. In March 2018, Vattenfall won the tender for the first two plots (approximately 115 km²). In July 2019, the developer won the tender for the other two lots.
In the meantime, many parks with a capacity of approximately 2 GW have already been planned. Such as the plots of the IJmuiden Ver.
IJmuiden Ver
There are several reasons for the size of the plots of IJmuiden Ver. It is mainly driven by TenneT's new 2 GW HVDC standard.
At the start of the IJmuiden Ver tender, 4 plots of 1 GW each were planned. Connecting and testing two developers turned out to have technical disadvantages (risk of synchronousness), with the result that two 2GW plots were chosen.
The distance from the coast also plays a role.
Further from the coast
For the development of offshore wind farms, energy areas located further from the coast will increasingly be chosen. Not just because of a lack of space near the coast. But also because wind farms further away can benefit from consistent and powerful winds. This also makes higher and more stable electricity production possible than closer to the coast.
And via the so-called High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) connections, more efficient and less energy-losing transmission over long distances can be offered, resulting in fewer transport losses. (See also: 'What is HVDC and what are the benefits?' )
Opportunities en challenges
The growth of offshore wind energy plots has been driven by economic efficiency and technological advancements. Larger lots can lead to a lower cost per unit of electricity, while advanced technologies allow for more powerful wind turbines. These developments are crucial for accelerating the transition, but also pose technical, financial, spatial and ecological challenges.
The installation and maintenance of larger and more complex wind turbines and subsea infrastructures requires, in addition to the necessary labor and materials, advanced technical expertise and investments in infrastructure and logistics.
Transporting large wind turbine components from shore to the offshore location is a logistical challenge. Efficient transport methods and installation vessels are needed to make this process run smoothly.
As a result, larger wind farms require significant capital investments. At the same time, the business case for offshore wind has its challenges, which increase in quantitative terms with larger plots.
Different interests
As the plots become larger, the interests of the other users of the North Sea play an increasing role. Think of fishing and the interests of flora and fauna.
To ensure that all interests of users of the North Sea are considered, there is the North Sea Consultation (NZO). The North Sea Consultation is a consultation body of relevant stakeholders and (relevant ministries of) the National Government that are active in the North Sea. NedZero is also participating in this.
Discussions in the NZO are currently about the implementation of the North Sea Agreement (NZA). The agreement contains agreements between the government and NZO members until 2030 on the implementation of the three major transitions in the Dutch part of the North Sea: energy, nature and food and the connections between them.
Ecological opportunities
However, the growth of plots also offers opportunities for marine ecosystems. Underwater structures created during the construction of wind turbines can serve as artificial reefs, providing a habitat for various types of marine life. In addition, certain restrictions may be imposed on the construction and operation of wind farms to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems.
This is now also happening in practice. The site decision for the tender for IJmuiden Ver Bèta includes strict requirements with regard to ecology.
The development of an energy area often results in new innovations. They will certainly help the transition forward. A good example is Hollandse Kust West VI, Ecowende , the 'most ecological wind farm to date'. There is collaboration here with various ecological knowledge parties. For example, to make ecology data publicly accessible . Noise-reducing technology, such as the bubble curtain, has also been used in recent tenders. These types of technologies are getting better and better.
Conclusion
The growth of offshore wind energy plots in the Netherlands requires cautious maneuvering. Careful planning, policy and management, in collaboration with the government, can ensure that the risks for project developers are limited. It is also important to continuously weigh capacity developments against those of nature and other users of the North Sea. This means that the success story of the rollout of offshore wind is not simply the result of the enlargement of the plots, but mainly of long-term vision and sound chess on several boards.
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