A consortium of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Van Oord has been selected by Windpark Fryslân B.V. as the preferred contractor for the construction of the Fryslân nearshore wind farm. The array will consist of 89 wind turbines with a capacity of 4.3 MW each in the Frisian section of the IJsselmeer Lake, next to the Afsluitdijk dam, in the Netherlands. With a total rated power output of over 380 MW, it will give increase the sustainable supply of energy for the Province of Friesland. Following completion, Siemens Gamesa will service the wind farm for at least 16 years.
Van Oord will be responsible for the balance of plant contract, including the design, fabrication, and installation of the foundations and cables. Van Oord will also supply the equipment for installing the turbines. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is responsible for the design, fabrication, and commissioning of the SWT-DD-130 wind turbines, each with an individual capacity of 4.3 MW and a 130 metre rotor diameter, and the onshore substation. Hub height of the turbines will be 109 metres, with a blade tip height of 174 metres.
A unique feature of the consortium is the integrated design and execution team. The consortium will co-operate with local partners and support local initiatives in order to stimulate the Frisian economy.
The nomination as preferred main contractor also includes construction of a nature conservation island near the Afsluitdijk dam. By using soil material from the IJsselmeer Lake, two hectares of new land and 25 hectares of sheltered shallow water will be created. The island will be used during the construction phase. New natural areas will develop on the banks of the island, both above and below water. The area is designed to attract fish and birds for foraging and resting.
The final contracts for the construction are expected to be signed later this year. The entire project involves an investment of over €500 million. Construction works will start in 2019, with full operation planned for mid 2021.
