Innovation site Borssele Wind Farm Site V fully commissioned

Levelised cost of energy

Borssele site V has been designated as an innovation site, situated within site III of the Borssele Wind Farm Zone. To contribute to the energy transition towards renewable energy in the Netherlands and to ensure a cost-efficient fulfilment of the 2030 renewable energy targets, several innovations are incorporated at the Borssele Wind Farm Site V. It is the first time anywhere that a submerged Slip Joint has been used on a full-sized offshore wind turbine on a fully commercial basis. The design and manufacturing of the Slip Joint were certified by DNVGL in the autumn of 2019. At the Borssele V Site, technologies such as Thermally Sprayed Aluminium (TSA), Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) optimisation and oval cable entry holes are also incorporated. The seabed surrounding the two Borssele V wind turbines is fitted with Eco-friendly scour protection. This sustainable technology is used to explore how nature and renewable energy generation can be mutually enhancing. Oysters will be placed on the protective layer of rock on the seabed to improve biodiversity and the natural habitat for aquatic wildlife.

Video: Eco-friendly scour protection at Borssele Site V

"We are extremely pleased to have finished the construction phase of our project on time, within budget and with a seamless implementation of the technical innovations. This would not have been possible without the strong cooperation from our construction partners Van Oord and Vestas and with respect to the grid connection, TenneT. Our applied innovations will not only contribute to a further reduction of LCOE of Offshore Wind but also improve the Health & Safety profile of the industry," says Erik de Boer, Managing Partner Investri.

By testing and demonstrating these innovations the Borssele site V contributes to lowering both the LCOE (Levelised Cost Of Energy) and the environmental impact of offshore wind farms. Two Towers also entered into a partnership with Dutch energy company Vandebron. This partnership means that consumers can purchase their renewable electricity directly from this project.

"Through the deployment of several important design improvements, in particular the slip joint, Two Towers plays an important role in further reducing the LCOE of offshore wind. Supporting partners in implementing their innovative projects is in our DNA. Green Giraffe is proud to have contributed to this exciting project and congratulates all parties involved in reaching this important milestone," says Niels Jongste, Managing Director Green Giraffe.

Balance of Plant

Van Oord was contracted as the Balance of Plant contractor for this project. The project has been completed on time and within budget during the COVID-19 pandemic. Van Oord deployed a wide range of equipment at the project, including offshore installation vessel Aeolus, the trencher Dig-It and cable-laying vessel Nexus. All of the innovations at the Borssele Site V have been developed by Van Oord in cooperation with other research partners. The Slip Joint is a full in-house design by Van Oord.

"We are very proud to have reached this milestone. Our team did an excellent job and the good cooperation with Blauwwind, our neighbours at Borssele offshore windfarm III & IV, was of great importance for the execution of this project," says Jan-Willem Elleswijk, Director Van Oord Offshore Wind.