Siemens is to build, on a turnkey basis, the offshore part of the Noordoostpolder Wind Farm . To this end, Westermeerwind and Siemens have concluded an investment agreement (conditional contract) valued in nine figures. A total of 48 wind turbines are to be built, each with a capacity of 3 MW, in three rows 500 and 1100 m offshore from the dikes of the North East Polder.
A transformer station is also being supplied on the Westermeer dike. Following handover, Siemens will provide maintenance services for the wind farm for a period of 15 years. The wind turbines are expected to be hooked up to the grid in 2015.
Westermeerwind Wind Farm
Westermeerwind Wind Farm is the nearshore part of the North East Polder Wind Farm, the largest wind farm in the Netherlands. The 48 wind turbines will be situated parallel to the dikes on the western edge of the North East Polder. The start of construction in the IJsselmeer, in part on Frisian territory in the municipality of Lemsterland (6 turbines), is scheduled for 2014 and preparations are in full swing.
The wind turbines will come on stream in 2015. They will then supply sustainable electricity for some 160,000 homes. The North East Polder Wind Farm will consist of a total of 86 wind turbines. Of the government’s declared target of generating 16% of energy demand sustainably by 2020, the North East Polder Wind Farm will contribute a good 1.2% overall.
Participation for residents of the municipalities of North East Polder, Lemsterland and Urk
The Westermeerwind wind farm is being developed for and by the polder: a participation model is to be developed for residents of the municipalities of North East Polder, Urk and Lemsterland.
Sustainable stimulation of the local economy: Employment opportunities
The construction, operation and maintenance of the whole North East Polder Wind Farm will directly or indirectly provide much-needed employment opportunities. Around 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase. On completion, the wind farm will provide about 100 permanent jobs. The expertise of the local business community will be enlisted during planning, development and construction.
Siemens alone is already in contact with 40 businesses in the region which have expressed an interest in acting as suppliers. These include businesses supplying services such as, for example, earth moving, transport by road and water, and security.
[mappress]
Press release, January 31, 2013; Image: Westermeerwind