RWE builds first wind turbines on sea dike dam in the Netherlands

World premiere in Eemshaven: RWE builds the first wind turbines on a sea dike dam.
The Oostpolderdijk Wind Farm in the Dutch province of Groningen will consist of three turbines. This is the first time that such a project has been undertaken. Due to limited space at the site of the dike a climbing crane is being used to install the top turbine components. So far, the foundations and the lowest turbine components of the wind turbines have already been built. One wind turbine has been fully completed, and the climbing crane has begun the further construction of the second wind turbine.

In recent years, RWE and Water Board Noorderzijlvest (the owner of the sea dike dam) have conducted meticulous research into the construction process and dike safety, as well as the impact of the project on the local environment. This has resulted in a highly specialized technical design which is now being implemented. The most important aspect of the design has been to guarantee the safety of the dike and its dam function. Wind Farm Oostpolderdijk, with a total installed capacity of 7.5 MW, is expected to be operational by the end of 2021.

In February, RWE concluded a power purchase agreement (PPA) with ASML, the world’s largest supplier of lithography systems for the semi-conductor industry, for the purchase of green power generated by Oostpolderdijk Wind Farm and other projects.

Sustainable production portfolio in the Netherlands

RWE is a globally leading player in the energy transition sector. The Netherlands is one of the strategic markets where the company wants to further expand its sustainable energy portfolio. RWE is currently operating seven onshore wind farms with a capacity of 268 MW (pro rata view) and two solar parks, in addition to its other business activities (gas, hard coal/biomass). Including Oostpolderdijk Wind Farm RWE is now constructing four new onshore wind farms in the Netherlands with a total capacity of 116 MW. Furthermore, RWE will add the first floating solar project to its sustainable portfolio, as well as a ground-mounted solar project. Both projects are part of Solar park Amer. In addition to this RWE is also working on the expansion of CO₂-free flexible production capacity, as well as on the development of hydrogen projects, such as NortH2, FUREC and Eemshydrogen, to help to green the industry.