Interview Ecowende in TenneT Contact Magazine
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Grid operator TenneT regularly publishes the Contact Magazine to keep local residents in the project area informed about the progress of projects. Residents in the area of the substation in Wijk aan Zee, where the green electricity from Ecowende will come ashore, also receive this magazine.
In the most recent edition of Contact Magazine, Ecowende colleagues Arjan Hamoen-Kleerekooper and Hermione van Zutphen explain how we will build the most ecological offshore wind farm to date with our Hollandse Kust West wind farm. With over 40 studies and pilots linked to our wind farm, it will become an important field lab that will help the entire sector accelerate the rollout of offshore wind energy in a responsible manner.
Wealth of data
Construction will begin offshore in late September 2025 with the placement of stones for the foundations (monopiles). "52 wind turbines will be placed more than 50 kilometers off the coast of IJmuiden," says Construction Director Arjan Hamoen-Kleerekooper. "What’s special is that these wind turbines will differ from each other. Some will have additional holes in the foundation for marine life, there will be masts of varying heights, and one will be equipped with cameras while another has sensors. The wealth of data we collect will provide us with valuable insights into the natural environment."
Developing rapidly
"Marine ecology is a field that is developing rapidly," says Hermione van Zutphen, Program Manager for the ecological part of the wind farm. "Since the government issued the tender in 2021, much new knowledge and insights have been gained through research and technologies. During our project, we will discover what works and what doesn’t. This will provide valuable information for future offshore wind farms."
© Images and copy in cooperation with TenneT. Photos: Jorrit 't Hoen.