Planning
Vattenfall is building a new wind farm in the North Sea. Find out more here
Planning
Phase 1
Site investigations
2019 - 2020
Phase 2
Foundation
2021 - 2022
Phase 3
Cables and grid connection
2021 - 2023
Phase 4
Wind turbine installation
2022 – 2023
Phase 5
Full commissioning
Mid-2023
Tender & contracting
In September 2018, Vattenfall received the irrevocable permit for the construction of the 700 MW offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid 1 & 2. After winning the first subsidy-free tender, we decided to participate in the offshore wind tender for Hollandse Kust Zuid 3 & 4. We won this permit July 2019; a significant step in view of our ambitions to increase our renewable energy production.
In 2019 and 2020 we chose a collaborative approach to select and contract the best suppliers with the aim of joint value optimization. All in order to reduce overall costs and ensure optimal health, safety, environmental and sustainable performance.
Site investigations
Site investigations enable us an effective and safe site layout. The research findings are used for mapping the seabed and designing the most efficient and optimized foundation for the wind turbines. Scan sensors are dragged through the water and our suppliers take samples to determine the composition and strength of the seabed.
Vattenfall completed a thorough UXO (unexploded ordnance) inspection and removal campaign at Hollandse Kust Zuid 1 & 2. The seabed was scanned in search of UXO. Many types of UXO, ranging from bombs and naval mines to machine guns, were found and successfully removed by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Foundation
In the summer of 2021, Vattenfall starts installing the monopile foundations for Hollandse Kust Zuid at sea. The installation of one monopile takes 12 to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions. First, the monopiles are towed to the installation vessel. Pile driving causes underwater noise; we make sure to take sufficient measures to reduce impact on marine life. In 2019 a test foundation was installed on the Maasvlakte. During this test phase, we simulated the condition of the installation at sea. More information.
Cables and grid connection
Cables will be transported from production locations to an intermediate storage location, where they will be loaded onto two carousels and transported to the site. The installation of a cable string 5-6 WTGs takes approximately 60 days. Installation is planned from March 2022 to April 2023.
The Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore grid comprises of two offshore transformer platforms, each with a 700 megawatt capacity and two 220 kV export cables per platform (30 – 40 km long). In 2021 and 2022 grid operator TenneT will produce the offshore platforms and connect them to the onshore site for the transmission of electricity.
Wind turbine installation
The Pacific Osprey will install the wind turbines at sea starting in April 2022. A turbine is installed in five lifts: the tower, the nacelle and three blades. It takes about 24 hours to install, depending on weather conditions.
Full commissioning
Hollandse Kust Zuid is scheduled to deliver its first power in 2022, and to be fully operational by mid-2023. The wind farm will have a maximum capacity of around 1.500 MW. The wind farm will produce a renewable electricity output equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over two million Dutch households.