Parkwind has completed the 219MW Northwester 2 offshore wind farm off the coast of Belgium, in less than 10 months from starting offshore works.
The wind farm is now producing clean electricity from all 23 of its V164-9.5MW MHI Vestas machines, making it the first wind farm to use the highest rated offshore wind turbine on the market.
Parkwind project director Peter Caluwaerts said: “Today we can proudly say ‘we did it’. We are grateful to every individual that has contributed to the timely and, most importantly, safe realisation of the Northwester 2 project.
“Everyone has demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, courage, resilience and determination to successfully complete this project.”
Northwester 2, which is the seventh offshore wind farm in the Belgian North Sea, brings the country’s total offshore energy capacity to 1776MW and will contribute to Belgium’s goal of supplying 10% of its energy demand with offshore wind by the end of 2020.
Caluwaerts added: “Following the powerful storms over the winter that caused some temporary disruption, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to deal with an unprecedented level of uncertainty.
“We managed to keep the project on track though. Following an excellent dialogue with the Belgian government and a great collaboration with our contractors, all operating procedures were re-designed to continue the construction works, ensuring the health and safety of all people involved and safeguarding their safe return home during this COVID-19 pandemic.”
Parkwind is also developing Arcadis Ost 1, off the German coast and Oriel off the coast of the Republic of Ireland. When both are completed they will add 577MW of operational offshore wind capacity to the developer’s portfolio.
The company said it is also reviewing other offshore wind project opportunities in Europe, Asia and North America.