Synopsis:
The Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm, one of the world's largest, recently opened. It's located off the Dutch coast and has 139 turbines. Dillinger supplied 115,000 metric tons of heavy plate for its monopile foundations. The farm will supply renewable energy to about 1.5 million households each year.
Article:
The Hollandse Kust Zuid 1-4 offshore wind farm has officially opened its doors. Situated between 18 to 36 kilometers off the coast of the Netherlands, it lies between the cities of Scheveningen and Zandvoort. This colossal green energy project features 139 turbines and has an impressive capacity of 1.5 GW.
These turbines are anchored on monopile foundations that stretch from 62 to 75 meters in length and weigh up to 955 metric tons. The water depth in this area ranges from 17 to 28 meters. Dillinger, a leading manufacturer of high-grade heavy plate steel, supplied about 115,000 metric tons of heavy plate to build these sturdy foundations.
Danny van der Hout, Dillinger's Chief Sales Officer, expressed pride in the company’s involvement. "We're glad to be part of this wind farm project and the bigger movement towards clean energy," he said. "Our advanced production processes and comprehensive service system help our customers speed up the growth of green energy."
Hollandse Kust Zuid is no small feat; it is among the largest offshore wind farms globally. With its immense capacity, the farm can provide approximately 1.5 million households with renewable energy each year. This is a significant step toward sustainable living and environmental conservation.
The wind farm also took the surrounding marine ecosystem into account during its construction. Special features like enlarged water holes in the foundation elements offer shelter to marine life inside the turbines. Moreover, the use of various-sized boulders and stones in the construction of the scour protection, as well as artificial rocky reefs, makes the area more hospitable to fish, crabs, and crustaceans.
About Dillinger:
Founded in 1685, Dillinger is a world leader in manufacturing high-grade heavy plate steel. Employing around 5,700 people, Dillinger's steel is used globally in numerous sectors, including steel construction, engineering, and offshore wind power.
Conclusion:
The opening of the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm marks a monumental step in the journey towards sustainable energy. With Dillinger's significant contribution in supplying heavy plate steel for the project, the wind farm not only aims to provide renewable energy to millions but also stands as a testament to how industrial innovation and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.
