Energy futureWorld's biggest wind energy farms to be built off the Dutch coast

Published 21 February 2008

Two wind farms to be built sixty km off the shore of the Netherlands will generate 2,000 MW; Dutch government’s goal is to generate 6,000 MW by 2020

RWE Innogy and RWE Energy Nederland have jointly submitted proposals to the Dutch authorities to build at least two major offshore wind farms in the Netherlands. The total power output of the farms — 2,000 MW — is thought to represent one of the largest offshore wind development projects in the world. RWE´s proposals would make a significant contribution to the Dutch government’s target for energy generation from wind farms of 6,000 MW by 2020. The Netherlands currently has 108MW in offshore wind farm capacity.

The wind farms would be spread over two locations. The first location would be in Tromp, where 1150 MW of capacity is proposed 64 km off the coast of Ijmuiden in a water depth of approximately 26 meters. The details of the second location will be announced at a later date. The companies expect the first licenses for the farms to be granted within the next two to three years. “This opportunity for growth into the Netherlands forms part of our European renewable energy expansion plans. RWE is committed to spend about €1 billion per year on such projects,” said Kevin McCullough, COO of RWE Innogy.