A Vattenfall team of experts in the environment and sustainability department is working with nature conservation organisation De Rijke Noordzee on a joint study at the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm, which looks at the possibilities of how more can be done for nature conservation in wind farms.
Vattenfall said that, while research has previously focused on protecting the natural environment around the turbines, here for the first time it is taking a closer look at how the design and construction of the turbine itself can help protect the natural environment at the wind farms.
It said there are openings in the base of the turbines that allow fish and other marine life to enter and exit the turbines.
“Now the question arises as to whether the animals will use the interior of the turbines as a new habitat, as a retreat or for foraging,” Vattenfall said.
The study will be carried out at the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Marine Research.
Various measurements will be carried out in and around the turbines in order to research how biodiversity is developing.
The company’s plans for the new Hollandse Kust West 6 offshore wind farm it plans to use vibration systems to minimise underwater noise and various innovative technologies to prevent collisions of birds and bats with the turbines.
It also plans sustainable wind farm construction methods to protect and restore natural marine habitats.
Vattenfall said it is also developing a multi-year ecological research programme with that aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the impact of offshore wind turbines on marine ecology.