Eneco and Vattenfall will place an enhanced version of the Slufterdam wind farm into service. The 17 wind turbines in the farm that have been supplying energy since 2002, have been replaced by 14 more efficient wind turbines. Consequently, the power has almost doubled from 25.5 MW to 50.4 MW. The 14 wind turbines generate 180 GWh of electricity every year, enough to cover the annual consumption of around 60,000 households.
Mainly, the two energy companies began the preparations to replace the old wind turbines in the middle of 2017. In the timeframe of 18 months, the old wind turbines were dismantled, the new wind farm was being built and the new turbines were installed.
Lies van der Pol, alderman of the Municipality of Westvoorne commented that the municipality wishes to develop its share of renewable resources and take part to the energy transition.
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He continued that along with Eneco and Nuon, they established two funds. One of these is the Liveability Fund, through which we provide financial support to associations, schools and social organisations to foster the use of renewable resources.
In addition to the Liveability Fund, the stakeholders set up a Nature Fund.
Michiel Houtzagers, Director of the South-Holland Landscape Foundation, and Anneklaar Wijnants from Nature Reserves stated
This fund enables us to invest in the special coastal environment that is so characteristic of this region and enhance the natural environment experience.
Cees de Haan, Director of Eneco Solar and Wind reported that the goal of making the Netherlands more sustainable, needs more wind farms to be placed. Yet, this would be impossible without suitable support.
Moreover, the Slufterdam wind farm features are:
- 14 Vestas VII2 wind turbines: 8 belonging to Vattenfall and 6 belonging to Eneco;
- 3.6 MW per wind turbine for a total of 50.4 MW installed capacity;
- GVB will purchase electricity from the Vattenfall wind turbines;
- Royal Schiphol Group n.v. will purchase electricity from part of the Eneco turbines. Eneco is in dialogue with local parties for power from the rest of their turbines.
In conclusion, the parties that participate in the constructive plan are various including nature conservation organisations (South-Holland Landscape Foundation and Nature Reserves Holland Landscape), the Port of Rotterdam Authority, municipalities (Westvoorne and Rotterdam), and two competing energy companies (Eneco and Vattenfall).
