RWE and TotalEnergies have selected the port of Den Helder as the home base for 795MW OranjeWind, their joint offshore wind project in the North Sea.
The former Den Helder fisherman’s auction will be the onshore junction from which the offshore wind turbines are controlled and maintained.
To this end, the project has signed a lease agreement with the Blue Port Centre association, the owner of the building.
RWE is preparing for the construction of the 53-turbine wind farm, which is located about 80 kilometres from the port of Den Helder in the Netherlands, in the North Sea, in close cooperation with joint venture partner TotalEnergies.
The wind farm is due online in 2028.
Matthias Esken, project director of OranjeWind at RWE, said: “The multifunctionality of the Blue Port Centre and its location on the quay make it a perfect location for the activities and maintenance of our offshore wind project in the Dutch North Sea.
“The proximity and accessibility of the port and airport of Den Helder provide efficient, logistical possibilities for reaching our wind farm, which benefits our operational flexibility.”
On behalf of the joint venture, RWE is leading the development, construction and operation of the wind farm.
Last October, both companies agreed to jointly develop two offshore wind projects off the German coast as well.
Kees Turnhout, general manager Port of Den Helder, said: “The Port of Den Helder welcomes the OranjeWind team for the activities and maintenance of the offshore wind project.
“As a specialised O&M port, Port of Den Helder offers a complete supply chain for the offshore sector.
“Together with Den Helder Airport, we form a strong logistics link across the North Sea, both by water and by air.
“In the coming years, we will be fully committed to the maintenance of wind farms and other sustainable energy sources.
“Between now and 2030, we will double the number of berths in the port.
“The arrival of OranjeWind is an important step in this strategy!”
Pim Visser, director of the Blue Port Centre, added: “It is fantastic that the OranjeWind team has chosen our Blue Port Centre.
“The former fish auction, owned by fishermen from Den Helder and Texel, will be given a new purpose after a major renovation.
“The building will be almost energy-neutral with good insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and cooling via groundwater.
“Thanks to its location on the deep-water quay, it is ideal as a base for the maintenance of offshore wind farms.
“With the arrival of OranjeWind, two-thirds of the building is now in use.”
In 2026, the Blue Port Centre will be put into operation during the construction phase of the wind farm.
It will house offices, changing rooms and storage facilities.