The Dutch utility company, Eneco, has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Albert Heijn to supply the company with power from the 760 MW Ecowende offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.
The 15-year PPA will help the supermarket chain Albert Heijn meet half of its power needs from 2027, according to Eneco.
The energy purchased from the Ecowende wind farm will be used directly to increase the sustainability of the supply chain, including power for home delivery and supplying the shops, said the Dutch utility.
The company’s climate target is an emissions-free supply chain by 2050. Its shops, distribution centres, and offices are already fully climate-neutral, which is due to the switch to 100 per cent Dutch wind power in early 2021.
The 760 MW offshore wind farm is being developed by Ecowende, a joint venture between Eneco and Shell.
The joint venture secured the development rights in the Dutch tender for Hollandse Kust West VI in December 2022. Located 53 kilometres off the coast of IJmuiden, the offshore wind farm will comprise 54 wind turbines and is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Earlier this year, the developer unveiled details for the project that will be in harmony with nature, which include measures and a design approach that will result in the project having minimal impact on birds, bats, and marine mammals.
In September, Shell and Eneco entered into an agreement with Van Oord which will see the Dutch offshore construction company signing contracts for the installation of the wind farm’s foundations, inter-array cables, and wind turbines.