Vattenfall has kicked of extensive site surveys for its 760MW Hollandse Kust 1&2 wind farm off the Netherlands.
The Swedish developer has commissioned Bibby HydroMap and Fugro to carry out geophysical and geotechnical surveys at the project site.
The survey results will be used to design the most effective foundations for the wind turbines and plan the route of the offshore cables, Vattenfall said.
Bibby HydroMap will also hunt for UXO items in the waters off south Holland.
Any items identified will be removed by the Dutch Royal Navy before construction begins, Vattenfall said.
Both Bibby and Fugro will stay at the project until August and spend the rest of the year analysing the data gathered. Vattenfall will use the data to model how sands on the seabed will change over time.
Hollandse Kust 1&2 technical project manager Aidan Marchand said this was important due to size of the 76 Siemens Gamesa 10MW turbines that will feature at the project.
“The wind turbines installed in 2022 will not be the same as those being made now. With our international experience in wind energy, we can properly estimate these developments and ensure the infrastructure is flexible and suitable for newer technology,” Marchand said.
The project is due to be fully commissioned by 2023.