Overview
The Windplanblauw project, a collaborative effort led by a consortium of shareholders including investing farmers, other local stakeholders and Vattenfall, showcases a significant step towards the Netherlands’ renewable energy ambitions, particularly in the Flevoland Province. By replacing 74 outdated turbines with 61 more efficient models, the project aims to enhance energy production while minimizing environmental impact. Ballast Nedam laid the water foundations, while the wind turbines were supplied by GE.
This initiative is set in the challenging terrains of Lake IJsselmeer and areas of archaeological significance. Thus, the WPB project is the first to apply cofferdam construction to the water for WTGs. Furthermore, our team has overcome numerous logistical challenges related to the transportation of our WTG parts. Approved in November 2019, Windplanblauw aims to tangibly demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving sustainability and energy neutrality by 2030.
About the project
- Capacity: 250MW, capable of powering approximately 400,000 households while significantly reducing carbon emissions by 340,000 tonnes annually.
- Location: Spanning the municipalities of Dronten and Lelystad in the central Netherlands.
- Timeline: Initiated in 2021 with an original completion target in early 2023, the project has faced delays but has started partial generation as of November 2023. As of now, 13 of the planned turbines have been installed, with 5 fully operational and feeding power into the grid.
- Project significance: This ambitious repowering project is not just about enhancing renewable energy capacity but also about community and environmental considerations.
By replacing older turbines with fewer, more powerful ones, Windplanblauw aims to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing efficiency. The project received its permits after a positive decision by the Council of State in November 2019, highlighting its compliance with stringent environmental and regulatory standards.
Windplanblauw presents a unique set of challenges due to its location, involving installations in both onshore and nearshore environments. The offshore turbines are situated in the relatively shallow waters of Lake IJsselmeer, necessitating innovative installation methods. Moreover, the project area is rich in archaeological significance, necessitating careful planning and execution to preserve the historical integrity of the site.
