Almost two years after construction of Vattenfall’s Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm began, the last turbine of 139 has been installed. In the coming months, the interior of the turbines will be further completed and tested. The array will become officially operational later this year. Project director Ian Bremner commented: "Hollandse Kust Zuid is the world's first subsidy-free offshore wind farm and we look forward to delivering this project."
"Today we are celebrating the final installation of our biggest ever offshore project. The nacelles were manufactured at our factory in Cuxhaven in Germany and the blades came from Aalborg, Denmark. This project once again underlines how the wind industry can offer Europe energy security through its own, clean and competitive sources," said David Molenaar, Siemens Gamesa's managing director in the Netherlands.
Siemens Gamesa was supported for the transport and installation of all 139 offshore wind turbines by Cadeler's wind installation vessel Wind Osprey. The total number of turbines is one less than the 140 originally planned. Last year, one of the foundations was damaged after a collision with cargo ship Julietta D which lost power during a storm and drifted through the wind farm. The foundation was damaged so badly in the process that installing a full turbine at this location is not considered responsible. After consultation with partners, contractors and the authorities, it was decided not to replace the foundation and to remove it in 2024. As yet, there are no fixed plans for the space that is now vacant.
