Frequently asked questions

The wind farm is 10 to 18 kilometres off the Dutch coast near Egmond aan Zee. You can see the precise location on this map.

In clear weather, the wind farm is visible on the horizon near Egmond aan Zee.

The farm consists of 36 wind turbines, of 3 MW each, type V90 manufactured by Vestas Wind Systems A/S. The total surface area of the farm is 30 km². With a total capacity of 108 MW, Offshore Windpark Egmond aan Zee was the biggest wind farm in the Netherlands in 2006. The construction of new (bigger) wind farms demonstrates that a huge technological evolution is underway.

The wind farm was built by Bouwcombinatie Egmond, a partnership between Ballast Nedam (now Van Oord) and Vestas Offshore. Both companies have ample experience with offshore wind energy.

Bouwcombinatie Egmond developed an innovative method to install the wind turbines. The Svanen, a heavy lift vessel, was used to install the steel foundation piles of the windmills. The windmill towers and wind turbines were then installed with the aid of a crane vessel.

The IJmondhaven in IJmuiden served as the logistical base for all construction work, as it has an open connection to the sea. Here, the components of the offshore wind farm were collected, the parts were put together, and the quality inspections done. The wind turbine parts were moved to the offshore site by ship from here, as well.

In 2002, NoordzeeWind obtained the concession for construction of the wind farm. The site was then studied extensively in relation to currents, wind, environment, and impact on nature. We also talked to many stakeholders, such as local authorities and administrators, NGOs like Greenpeace, partners in the (nature) compensation programme, and scientific and research institutes. The permit process was then initiated. It took longer than expected to obtain all of the required permits, which was due to the pioneering role of Offshore Windpark Egmond aan Zee.

The number of offshore wind farms is growing rapidly. You can find the most recent information here.

The first wind turbines were erected in 2006 and have been generating power since that time.

Wind sets the rotor blades in motion. These are connected to the shaft. The rotating motion is accelerated in a gear box and powers the generator, like a dynamo.

The rotating motion is converted to electricity in the dynamo and a transformer steps up the low-output voltage from the generator to a higher distribution voltage level. The electricity is then transported to shore via a cable.

The topmost part of the wind turbine is called the nacelle. The gear box, generator and transformer are in the nacelle, which can turn on top of the tower so the rotor can always be optimally oriented towards the wind. The rotor blades of the wind turbine can be adjusted according to wind conditions, controlling their output. The turbine can also be shut down entirely by turning the blades out of the wind.

At the bottom of the wind turbine tower is a computer that handles all control signals. It decides whether it is safe for the turbine to run. Finally, there is a computer on land to monitor the turbine’s condition (such as output) remotely. The turbine can also be controlled remotely if necessary.

Prior to construction of the wind farm, a lot of research was done on the local impact of the wind farm above and below water, such as impact on seafloor life, underwater noise, fish, sea mammals, and birds. The total research programme started during construction in 2006 and ran until 2012, yielding lots of data on the impact of the wind farm on the local environment. These studies were conducted by independent research institutions.

Go to the Reports page for the reports relating to the possible impact of the offshore wind farm on nature and its environment. 

When the site at sea was selected, the interests of all other users of the North Sea, such as fishery, recreational sailing, shipping, sand extraction, military areas, and oil and gas extraction, were taken into account. Requirements were specified particularly in relation to safety to ensure that no hazardous situations would occur for fishermen and shipping lanes. These requirements relate to lighting, colour use, marking, and use of acoustic signals, such as fog horns.

Sailing through and use of the wind farm, for instance for sport fishing, is allowed exclusively under stringent conditions. Violating these conditions is considered a criminal offence and treated as such. Read about the conditions for sailing through the wind farm here. For more information about (sport) fishing in the wind farm, click here.