The Dutch Offshore Wind Energy Act

It’s also removed barriers of cost and time for developers by taking on the burden of preparing the site data for bids, including the environmental impact assessment. Operators will need to meet extensive protection requirements for porpoises, birds and bats and the number of turbines will be limited to 96 per farm. There will also be noise restrictions which for example include when foundations are driven into the seabed the noise level must be lower than 160 or 172 db.

However there remains flexibility for developers on aspects including the type of turbine (up to 10MW), foundation structure, array layout. As Offshorewindindustry.com explains, “By building in this flexibility while alleviating much of the pre-construction cost burden and assuming responsibility for the grid, the Dutch government expects to see offshore wind costs fall by 40% by 2024.”

It’s an important turnaround for domestic companies too which will have work on their doorsteps after a long, dry spell. Albert van der Hem at the Northern Netherlands Offshore Wind network says, “The Dutch offshore and wind industry is very happy with the transition to a new system because it will create new jobs and add value … as well as innovations on the market.”