The next offshore wind innovation site in the Netherlands will feature two V164-9.5 MW turbines from MHI Vestas, the 5th Dutch offshore wind park for the wind turbine supplier.
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, in signing a firm order with Two Towers Consortium for the Borssele V Offshore Wind Farm, will supply two V164-9.5 MW turbines for the project. The 19 MW project has been designated as an innovation site that will test various innovations in and around the turbines.
“We are extremely proud that the Netherlands will be home to our next test project,” said MHI Vestas Chief Technology Officer, Torben Hvid Larsen. “Borssele V confirms once again that MHI Vestas is committed to continuous learning and collaborating with industry partners on innovations that will advance our collective knowledge and propel our industry forward.”
The two-turbine project, slated for installation in 2020, will implement several innovations to improve environmental standards and contribute to the renewable energy transition in the Netherlands: To connect the monopile and transition piece, the innovative ‘slip joint’ technology will be applied. This technology, developed in collaboration with Van Oord, has two major advantages: it is maintenance-free, and it reduces installation time, which could result in significant cost savings.
Also, revolutionary eco-designs for scour protection will be tested to determine the effect on the maritime environment. Part of the innovation is the use of scour protection in creating reef systems, including oyster reefs, which will help promote a healthy and diverse marine ecosystem.
Borssele V will be located 20km off the coast of Zeeland and within site III of the Borssele Wind Farm zone and will provide clean energy for 25,000 households.
The project will be the 5th offshore wind park in the Netherlands for MHI Vestas, which will have an install base of 218 turbines and 1.1 GW in Dutch waters at the completion of the project.