Shell-Eneco joint venture Ecowende has taken the wraps off plans for building offshore wind farms in harmony with nature, with minimal impact on birds, bats and marine mammals.
Ecowende presented its holistic approach at WindDay 2023 and said it will implement various innovations at its 760MW Hollandse Kust (west) lot VI wind farm, 53 km off the Dutch coast of IJmuiden.
Folkert Visser, CEO and project director of Ecowende, said: “When putting together our set of measures in consultation with a broad group of experts, we have taken into account the measures that are already being implemented in the wind farms around us as well as the latest scientific findings.
“Some of the measures will have an immediate impact, while many other are intended to try out new methods and fill knowledge gaps.
“The knowledge that we possess on the effects of wind farms on nature is not yet complete.
“This knowledge is indispensable if we want to expand offshore wind energy in the Netherlands in a responsible manner.”
Specific measures include increasing the height of the lowest tip of the rotor blades, creating a corridor to a Natura 2000 area by placing the turbines further apart, plus an option to bring the turbines to a standstill during bird migrations.
The aim is to minimise the number of bird and bat collisions.
Ecowende will be using different technologies to monitor, investigate and adjust the effectiveness of this approach.
Besides reducing the negative impact of its offshore wind farm, Ecowende also aims to implement ecological measures that could contribute to the development of wind farms that have a net positive impact.
Ecowende is going to apply several innovative techniques that will help the underwater world to reflourish.
Biodegradable reef structures are being constructed using fruit trees sourced from Dutch fruit farms.
These tree reefs offer a place for fish to shelter and reproduce. Ecowende will also install various forms of eco-friendly erosion protection and the oyster larvae network will be expanded to spread the native flat oyster population.
“Our wind farm will develop into a diverse living environment that functions as a habitat and nursery for many species, including hopefully even sharks and rays,” said Hermione van Zutphen, ecology programme manager at Ecowende.