Netherlands: Geophysical Surveys start at Hollandse Kust (zuid) wind farm zone

The site characterisation specialist will perform geophysical surveys from its 54-metre multi-purpose survey vessel, Fugro Pioneer and the 40-metre Victor Hensen. The work will take place over a period of 3 to 4 weeks and will focus on mapping the seabed characteristics and sub-surface soil conditions.

“This new contract award follows the successful series of site investigations Fugro completed in 2015 at the Borssele wind area, off the Zeeland coast,” said Ivar de Josselin de Jong, Commercial Manager at Fugro Survey B.V. “It underlines our specialised support for the offshore wind industry and we look forward to delivering high quality, objective information for potential developers of the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone.”

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will provide site specific information on the conditions of wind energy areas to future developers of the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone. The site information acquired by Fugro will be made available to the participants in the SDE+ subsidy and permit tenders for the construction and operation offshore wind farms in the Netherlands. The first tender for the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone is scheduled to close in the third quarter of 2017.

The 356-square-kilometre Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone is planned to be divided into four sites, with each site capable of accommodating 350 MW.

The SDE+ (Stimulering Duurzame Energieproductie/Stimulation of sustainable energy production) is an operating grant which encourages the production of renewable energy in the Netherlands.