In December 2023, the Minister of Climate and Energy published the permit granting for the Alpha and Beta sites in the IJmuiden Ver wind energy area. It concerns two plots, together accounting for 4GW of installed capacity. This makes it the largest tender ever in the Netherlands. Additional criteria are included with regard to ecology, circularity and corporate social responsibility.
The following is taken into account:
- Compliance with the principles of international corporate social responsibility (IMVO);
- The degree of insight into raw material consumption, environmental impact and value retention during the design, construction, operation and disposal of the wind farm;
- The contribution of the wind farm to the ecosystem of the Dutch North Sea and the Dutch energy system.
Circularity criteria
It must be substantiated in what ways circularity is taken into account in the design, with regard to the components:
- Reduction of the use of raw materials;
- Replacement of raw materials and components;
- High-quality processing of raw materials;
- Extending the lifespan of the wind farm components based on a recognized standard.
Criteria ecology
The focus is on preventing or limiting the negative effects of offshore wind energy on ecology as much as possible. It is expected that the following can be demonstrated:
- Take measures to reduce negative ecological impacts on locally occurring birds and marine mammals.
- Strengthening and restoring underwater nature, marine ecosystems and diversity of naturally occurring marine (mammal) animals.
- Contribution to knowledge, research and innovation to reduce negative ecological effects and enhance positive ones
Research and nature enhancement
The Monitoring-Research-Nature Enhancement-Species Protection (MONS) program aims to answer the central question of whether and how the changing use of the North Sea fits within the ecological carrying capacity of the North Sea. A healthy North Sea is important for everyone. MONS falls under the North Sea Consultation (NZO).
Photo: the black-backed gull is mentioned in the permit criteria as one of the bird species to be protected.
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