Dutch Government Launches Wind & Water Works

The Dutch government has launched an international campaign entitled Wind & Water Works during an offshore wind energy masterclass organised by the Netherlands for ten guest nations.

Wind & Water Works is established to demonstrate how Dutch companies are now applying their offshore expertise developed over many years to offshore wind energy.

Ruud de Bruijne, project leader offshore wind at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl), said: ‘’Wind & Water Works enables the Dutch Government and the Dutch business sector to collectively export the successful Dutch approach to and expertise in offshore wind energy.’’

Over the coming years, the Dutch ambitions for offshore wind farms will generate a significant amount of additional employment in the sector, according to RVO.nl. There will also be an increasing demand for well-qualified individuals and the technology to realise those ambitions.

International interest in both the Dutch government’s approach and the Dutch offshore companies was clearly evident during the offshore wind energy masterclass, according to RVO.nl. During the masterclass ten countries were enlightened about the Dutch approach to offshore wind energy.

Dutch industry and commerce demonstrated how they are applying their many years of offshore experience to the rollout of offshore wind farms in the Netherlands and beyond.

Pieter van Oord, chairman of IRO, said: ‘’Dutch offshore industry have the knowledge, experience and material to take their place at the international top of the offshore windsector.’’

The government explained the Dutch policy, which caused a rapid fall in the price of offshore wind energy, while on 15 December 2017, for the first time ever, it will open a bidding round for a non-subsidised offshore wind farm.

The masterclass was held in the former library in Delft, which today houses the DOB Academy. The academy has also noticed a growing demand for qualified professionals for the offshore wind energy sector.

The offshore wind energy sector also offers economic opportunities for companies other than the Dutch ones operating abroad. Many other countries bordering the North Sea are developing offshore wind energy. The installation and maintenance of these wind farms will generate opportunities for coastal communities, ports and businesses in the Netherlands.

In the magazine entitled Hollandse Kust (Dutch Coast), Wind & Water Works parties explain why the Netherlands is the best base for the installation and maintenance for wind farms in and near the North Sea. This magazine will be launched on Wednesday, 29 November.