The Northwester 2 wind farm is completed

This wind farm is the first to use the world’s highest rated V164-9.5 MW turbines in commercial operation.

The Northwester 2 wind farm is completed
Photo: Parkwind

In just under ten months from the start of the offshore works, the 219 MW Northwester 2 wind farm is now supplying the Belgian grid with green energy from all of its 23 fully operational wind turbines producing 9,5 MW each. This wind farm is the first to use the world’s highest rated V164-9.5 MW turbines in commercial operation.

This is the seventh wind farm in the Belgian North Sea, which now brings the total offshore energy capacity to 1,776 MW and moves Belgium closer to reaching the goal of supplying 10% of energy demand with offshore wind by the end of 2020.

Peter Caluwaerts, Parkwind’s Project Director, commented:

“As we started the offshore construction of our fourth wind farm back in July last year, we could not have imagined the circumstances under which we would be completing this project. Following the powerful storms over the winter that caused some temporary disruption, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to deal with an unprecedented level of uncertainty. We managed to keep the project on track though.

Following an excellent dialogue with the Belgian government and a great collaboration with our contractors, all operating procedures were re-designed to continue the construction works, ensuring the health and safety of all people involved and safeguarding their safe return home during  this COVID-19 pandemic. Today we can proudly say ‘we did it’. We are grateful to every individual that has contributed to the timely and – most importantly – safe realization of the Northwester 2 project. Everyone has demonstrated exceptional problem solving skills, courage, resilience and determination to successfully complete this project.”

Now that Northwester 2 is completed, Parkwind’s focus shifts towards exporting its offshore expertise internationally. Arcadis Ost 1 (Germany) and Oriel (Ireland) are both in development and will bring an additional 577 MW of capacity to its portfolio while other opportunities in Europe, Asia and North America are under review.