Innovation site Borssele V to test innovative assembly system, coating and oyster beds
Stone formations that stimulate the formation of oyster beds and improve the ecosystem of the North Sea. An innovative mounting system between mast and foundation to increase lifetime and reduce maintenance. And a better and cost-efficient coating. These are the innovations that Two Towers will test at the innovation site Borssele V in the North Sea. The consortium, consisting of Van Oord Renewable Finance, Investri Offshore and Green Giraffe Holding, is the winner of the tender for the innovation site.
The innovation site offers the possibility to test and demonstrate new, already advanced technologies in practice to wind park builders worldwide. To test the innovations, the Two Towers will receive an innovation subsidy of up to 15 million euros. In addition, it receives a maximum subsidy of 35 million euros for the electricity supplied.
Two Towers has indicated that it will start construction and the wind farm in 2020 with 2 turbines of 9.5 MW. This gives the wind farm a total installed capacity of 19 MW. MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is the preferred supplier for the wind turbines.
Innovative clamp connection and coating
An innovative clamping connection between the foundation and the mast makes the construction of wind turbines easier and cheaper. An aluminum-based protection ensures a higher life expectancy of the mast and requires less maintenance. In addition, an innovative coating system will be applied to prevent corrosion in an efficient, safe and environmentally-friendly manner. This will increase the service life and the return on investment.
Oysterbanks
Due to the absence of soil-disrupting activities, such as trawl fishing, new ecosystems can develop in the vicinity of windmills. In order to stimulate this natural process, oyster beds are being built on the innovation site. The oyster beds prevent erosion of the soil around the foundations of the windmills and help the restoration of the marine ecosystem in the North Sea. On the bottom, stones of various types and sizes will limit water flow and soil stirring, creating an ideal habitat for oysters. The stones are enriched with calcareous shell material; a good basis for the oysters. Oysters are added at different stages of life.
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image source: Courtesy of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind
