Approximately one year after the start of installation, the 24th and last turbine of the Windplanblauw offshore wind farm, located off the Dutch coast, has finally been erected. With the onshore and near-shore turbines already completed, the project is moving towards its official inauguration scheduled for August.
Windplanblauw represents a joint initiative between Vattenfall and SwifterwinT, involving more than 170 local agricultural entrepreneurs, residents and turbine owners, focused on the repowering of existing wind farms.
As part of this ambitious project, 74 wind turbines in Dronten and Lelystad were replaced with 61 larger and more efficient units. Of these, 24 have been erected on the IJsselmeer lake, replacing the previous 28 in the same location.
These turbines, two rows of GE Cypress models of 5.5 MW each, have a total capacity of 132 MW and are capable of generating enough electricity to power 130,000 homes in the Netherlands. Of the turbines installed near the coast, Vattenfall owns 14.
Windplanblauw offshore wind farm not ready yet
The installation process, which began in 2023, faced several challenges, including poor weather conditions with a spring of strong northerly winds and the stormiest July on record, Vattenfall reported. In addition, this winter, the project experienced further delays due to adverse conditions, including unusual lock closures due to rising water levels.
“Construction near the coast represents a significant challenge from a technical point of view and this project, in particular, has required a lot of effort, dedication and overcoming difficulties. However, we are convinced that we have succeeded in establishing a worthy successor to the Irene Vorrink wind farm, Windplanblauw’s esteemed predecessor.“said Matthew May, project manager.“Finally, Windplanblauw has stood out as a remarkably aesthetic wind farm, with a design in which the proportions of the turbines and their bases on the water, together with the silhouette of the blades, harmonize with the surroundings.”
The completion of Windplanblauw will not only symbolize a significant advance in the wind infrastructure of the Netherlands, but will also set a precedent for future repowering projects. This sustainable approach to renewable energy generation reflects a firm commitment to innovation and efficiency, promising a significant reduction in the region’s carbon footprint.
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Source: offshorewind.biz
Photos: shutterstock
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