Ballast Nedam expands further in the wind energy market: Maasvlakte 2 Wind Farm

Ballast Nedam will realise the wind turbines on the sea defences in the Rotterdam harbour area on behalf of Eneco. Rijkswaterstaat is the initiator of the wind farm and obtains all the electricity for the next 25 years. The wind farm consists of 22 wind turbines with a capacity of 166.7 MW and is developed in close cooperation with the municipality of Rotterdam, the province of South-Holland, the Port of Rotterdam, the State Property Department and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. As a result, the wind farm is going to be the largest onshore wind farm of Eneco, which will generate more than 400 GWh of green electricity on a yearly basis.

‘Hard’ and ‘soft’ sea defences

Together with turbine manufacturer Vestas, Ballast Nedam is realising the 22 wind turbines on both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ sea defences. The 'hard' sea defences consist of a dike body with a paved surface on top and large boulders in the surf. Ten turbines will be positioned on the land side of this dyke. The 'soft' sea defences consist of a beach and dunes, whereby the remaining twelve turbines will be placed on the beach in front of the sand dunes. These locations are challenging for the design and construction of the wind farm. For example, water safety, accessibility and the logistics surrounding the turbine locations must be considered.

First for the wind sector

The wind turbines on the 'hard' sea defences will be erected on a concrete foundation with a reinforced soil construction that is placed against the body of the dike. On the 'soft' sea defences, a foundation is used for which Ballast Nedam applies its monopile solution. A proven offshore concept that we have translated for this project into the realisation of such foundations at nearshore locations. This is a new development in the wind energy sector, as this is the first time that a wind turbine is founded on a monopile on land. This type of construction is beneficial in many ways: it has less impact on the seabed and is also slimmer, which leaves more space available for recreation in the area around the wind turbines.

Safety is a priority

Safety is a top priority within the project. From the very first layout concepts of the wind farm and the design of the wind turbines, safety risks have been analysed. In line with our ambition to perform at level 4 of the Safety Culture Ladder, we continuously ensure that all those involved are educated and actively participate in safety training and sessions. This includes the designers and planners as well as the construction site workers, supervisors and managers.

Contributing to climate goals

The wind farm significantly contributes to the climate goals of the Netherlands, which include the aim of generating 70% of all electricity from sustainable sources by 2030. It also fulfils the sustainability ambitions of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to be energy-neutral in 2030 and the renewable energy goals of the province of South-Holland, the municipality of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Port area.

Photography: Pondera