SSE Renewables has chosen the Port of Den Helder in the Netherlands to serve as its operations and maintenance base should it win the development rights for the 1400MW Hollandse Kust West offshore wind farm.
SSE Renewables has rented a business space at the port and plans to produced hydrogen at the site, which would fuel the ships servicing the wind farm, according to the port.
The remaining hydrogen will be used for local initiatives in Den Helder.
SSE Renewables also wants to start working actively with educational institutions in the Den Helder region from next year, said the port.
The company wants to contribute to the development of practice-oriented educational material, and will make internships available and eventually hopes to offer students a jobs in the sector.
Dennis Breugelmans, SSE international markets Project Director, said: “Offshore wind plays an important role in sustainability and contributes to the desire to become less dependent on imported natural gas.
“The Netherlands is a leading offshore wind market in Europe and has enormous growth potential. We see Den Helder as an ideal location for the development of offshore wind farms and we intend to invest seriously in this interesting municipality. We are very much looking forward to working with local and provincial parties in the coming period.”