Eneco and Vattenfall re-open Slufterdam wind farm

Eneco and Vattenfall will put a new, improved version of the Slufterdam wind farm into service today. The 17 existing wind turbines in the farm, which has been supplying renewable energy since 2002, have been replaced by 14 wind turbines that are much more efficient. As a result, the power has nearly doubled from 25.5 MW to 50.4 MW. The 14 wind turbines generate 180 GWh of electricity every year, enough to cover the annual consumption of around 60,000 households.

The energy companies started preparations to replace the wind turbines in mid-2017. In a period of roughly 18 months, the old wind turbines were dismantled, the infrastructure for the new wind farm was built, and the new wind turbines were installed.

Constructive cooperation between the various parties in this region was a significant factor in ensuring this project was completed successfully. Diverse social and economic interests intersect due to the unique location of the wind farm, including nature conservation organisations (South-Holland Landscape Foundation and Nature Reserves Holland Landscape), the Port of Rotterdam Authority, municipalities (Westvoorne and Rotterdam), and two competing energy companies (Eneco and Vattenfall). They all worked together to achieve the ultimate objective: to generate more renewable energy that also contributes to the restoration of the natural environment.

Slufterdam wind farm facts and figures:

• 14 Vestas VII2 wind turbines: 8 belonging to Vattenfall and 6 belonging to Eneco
• 3.6 MW per wind turbine for a total of 50.4 MW installed capacity
• GVB will purchase electricity from the Vattenfall wind turbines
• Royal Schiphol Group n.v. will purchase electricity from part of the Eneco turbines. Eneco is in dialogue with local parties for power from the rest of their turbines.