flow - far and large offshore wind (summary)

FLOW: Far and Large Offshore Wind 1

Far and Large Offshore Wind

FLOW

Summary

FLOW: Far and Large Offshore Wind 2 FLOW: Far and Large Offshore Wind 3

Dutch industry and knowledge institutes are pioneering a large-scale innovation program for the development of offshore wind energy. The Far and Large Offshore Wind program (FLOW) consists of an ambitious R&D plan and a demonstration wind farm 75 km off the Dutch coast, in 35 meters water depth. At this moment, no wind farms at such a distance from the coast in such a water depth exist in the world. The FLOW program will enable companies in The Netherlands to claim a leading position on the international market for offshore wind energy. The program is being developed by a consortium consisting of RWE, Eneco, TenneT, Ballast Nedam, Van Oord, IHC Merwede, 2-B Energy, XEMC Darwind, ECN and TU Delft.

Far and Large Offshore Wind

FLOW


VisionThe Netherlands has three reasons to invest heavily in offshore wind energy today: renewable energy goals, technological leadership and large opportunities on a rapidly developing market.

Ren ewable en eRgy goals

By the year 2020, the Dutch government aims to have installed 6,000 MW of offshore wind energy capacity in the Netherlands to reach its renewable energy goals. Due to limitations such as shipping lanes, oil and gas platforms, visual impact and ecology, a maximum of approximately 3,000 MW of the total of 6,000 MW can be installed within a 50-60 km distance from the shore. The remaining capacity will have to be installed further away, “far-offshore”, in typical water depths of more than 30 meters, with larger challenges for foundations, installation and operation/maintenance. It is estimated that the four most important European offshore wind energy countries – the UK, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands – will have 31,000 MW of offshore wind energy capacity installed by 2020, of which approximately 40% will be installed far-offshore. The FLOW program will be instrumental in achieving the goal of the Dutch government of 6,000 MW in the year 2020 (see figure 1), by accelerating the development of economically viable far-offshore wind energy technology.

Tech nological leadeRsh i p

Today, no offshore wind farms are operational at far-offshore locations anywhere in the world. While the technology for onshore wind energy is well developed, the technology for offshore wind farms is still in its infancy. The Netherlands has a strong knowledge position in wind energy due to the research and development that takes place in institutions like ECN and the TU Delft. The Dutch offshore industry has developed invaluable knowledge and experience in offshore technology for oil and gas exploration and production. If we act now, during the coming years we can develop a leading position in the area of offshore wind technology. The FLOW program will develop new, cutting-edge technology that is necessary for economically viable generation of offshore wind energy.

Figure 1 – FLOW will be instrumental to realizing the Dutch renewable energy goals

>10,000 MW

~3,000 M

W?

50-60 km12 Miles zone

Dutch renewable energy goals 2020

Target 2020: CO2 reduction of 30% compared to 1990

Realizing the target includes a requirement of 20% renewable energy

Towards 2020 6,000 MW offshore wind energy

Far-offshore (>50-60 km) wind energy is indispensible

Considering the interests of other users, near shore locations (<50-60 km off-coast, <30 m water depth) can only accommodate ~3,000 MW. Limiting factors are:- Special areas- Oil and gas platforms- Shipping routes

Far-offshore locations offer room for more than 10,000 MW with the least impact on other users and the environment

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Figure 2 – If we act now, we can become a technological leader in offshore wind – at this moment no wind farms are operational far-offshore

Dis

tanc

e to

shor

e (K

M)

Year

Operational

Under construction

Approved

Diameter indicates wind farm capacity [MW]

Offshore wind farms in Europe – Distance to shore/year

FAR OFFSHOR E

N EARSHOR E

2013: Hochsee Windpark Nordsee

2015: Sandbank 24 phase 1

2015: He Dreiht

2010: BART

2011: Nordlicher Grund

2008: Amalia2006: OWEZ

2013: FLOW

Source: Innovatie Agenda Energie, DNV, ECN

Source: EWEA 2009, Ecorys 2009, Project websites, Roland Berger analysis


laRge oppoRTu n iTi es on a Rapi dly gRowi ng maRkeT

Wind energy is most viable in places with high mean wind speeds and low turbulence levels. Compared to onshore conditions, offshore conditions are favorable in this respect. Because of the logistical challenges of offshore wind energy, to date most wind farms have been placed on land. However, the potential of onshore wind energy is limited due to the available space, and restrictions regarding noise and visibility. Therefore, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) expects strong growth of the installed capacity of offshore wind energy in the coming years.The Netherlands is in an ideal position to become one of the leaders in the rapidly developing far-offshore wind market. It is blessed with a strategically advantageous geographic location; it borders on the leading offshore wind energy countries and has direct access to large harbors, which are indispensable for the immense logistical operation necessary for the installation, operation and maintenance of wind farms (see figure 3). But the country’s potential goes beyond geography. It is home to many companies and institutions with invaluable competences throughout the far-offshore wind energy value chain (see figure 4). Companies such as RWE and Eneco have already developed extensive and invaluable hands-on experience in offshore wind farm development and operation. Due to their leading positions in the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry, the large Dutch offshore design, engineering,

construction, installation and maintenance companies – such as Ballast Nedam, Van Oord and IHC Merwede – are ideally positioned to claim a leading role in offshore wind energy. The country’s knowledge and track record in soil and marine engineering gives these companies excellent support. In the field of wind turbine design and manufacturing, several innovative start-ups have emerged such as 2-B Energy and XEMC Darwind. The Dutch R&D institutions ECN and TU Delft house leading competences in wind energy R&D, and have led to innovative spin-off companies like Ampelmann (offshore access technology). Stimulating the far-offshore wind energy value chain in the Netherlands will also encourage suppliers, such as blade manufacturing companies or offshore cable suppliers, to base themselves in or further expand into the Netherlands. The development of offshore wind will provide a sustainable revenue source for provision of parts and services related to the operation of the wind turbines, providing a boost for offshore logistic and maintenance companies. The FLOW program will support the Dutch value chain in claiming a leading position on the European offshore wind market, generating new sustainable employment in the Netherlands.

Wind energy

R&D

Wind turbine manufacturing

Offshore design and

engineering

Offshoreconstruction &

installation

Offshore maintenance

Wind farmdevelopment

and operation

Wind turbine design

Figure 4 – The Netherlands has the potential to develop a very strong offshore wind value chain

COM

PETE

NCE

S an

d/or

AM

BITI

ON

EXPE

RIEN

CE

Offshore wind energy value chain (under development) NON-EXHAUSTIVE

Source: FLOW

Figure 3 – The European offshore wind energy market will grow rapidly; The Netherlands has the ideal geographical location and ports with direct access

Total installed offshore capacity in Europe [MW] will increase according to EWEA reference scenario

Ideal location of the Netherlands among the most important offshore wind energy countries

Expected commissioning before 2015

INDICATIVE ILLUSTRATIVE

2007 2010 2015 2020 2025

1,100 3,500

12,000

35,000

74,500

Source: EWEA reference scenario, Windpower.org, BWEA, Ecorys 2009, Project websites


ObjectivesThe first main objective of FLOW is acceleration. FLOW will speed up the deployment of offshore wind energy to realize the 2020 6,000 MW target; as a first step, it will build a 100-300 MW far-offshore demonstration wind farm with 20-60 turbines, which will be operational by Q3 2013.To achieve the first main objective, a significant cost reduction of far-offshore wind energy – the second main objective – is necessary. Cost reduction requires development of specific far-offshore competences. FLOW will reduce the costs associated with offshore wind energy by more than 20% to improve the commercial viability of offshore wind energy. Figure 5 depicts the main objectives of FLOW.

ActivitiesThe activities of FLOW will consist of an R&D plan and the installation and operation of a demo wind farm. The R&D plan will focus on the development of innovative, new technology for far-offshore wind farm design, support structures, far-offshore electrical systems and grid integration and offshore turbine development. These technologies will be demonstrated far-offshore in the FLOW demo farm. For the testing and demonstration of new turbines, a separate turbine demonstration facility will be made available in the demo wind farm, with room for 2-6 turbines (see figure 6). FLOW will actively work with the government and other initiatives to mobilize on- and nearshore test locations as well.

Nearshore<50-60 km off coast;typically <30 m water depth

Onshore Far offshore>50-60 km off coast;typically >30 m water depth

Figure 5 – FLOW aims to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy and to reduce the associated cost

Figure 6 – FLOW’s R&D plan will develop technology and innovative concepts that will be used in the demonstration wind farm

120 m1)

100 m1)

1) Typical dimensions of a 5 MW offshore wind turbine

versnelling

R&D Plan Demo wind farm

R&D themes Far-offshore demonstration park Turbine demonstration facility

1 Wind farm design

2 Support structures

3 Electrical systems and grid integration

4 Turbine developmentProven turbine technology Prototype turbines

Source: FLOW Source: FLOW

A C C E L E R A T E REDUCECOST


ImplementationFLOW has set the ambitious goals to commence the R&D plan in January 2010 and to have the FLOW demo wind farm operational by Q3 2013. A measurement mast will be installed in Q2 2010 which will provide the necessary data to complete the design of the FLOW demo wind farm. The wind farm will then be installed in 2012-2013 and will be fully operational by Q3 2013 (earliest projection). Far-offshore measurement, demonstration and validation will then take place during 2013-2014 and results will be used to optimize models and concepts.The plans for FLOW are elaborated in a Business Plan, which was presented on September 2nd, 2009 to the Minister of Economic Affairs during a meeting of the Dutch Innovation Platform, which is chaired by Prime Minister Balkenende. The FLOW consortium is engaged in a constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to further specify the FLOW Business Plan, and to explore options for Government support for and cooperation in the program.

FLOW consortiumThe FLOW program links up with the appeal that the Dutch Innovation Platform made during the coast conference in spring 2008. By means of the ‘tulip island’ initiative, the Innovation Platform challenged the sector to come up with innovative business cases for offshore energy concepts. The FLOW consortium consists of eight Founding Fathers who, together, have invaluable knowledge, competencies and experience in the area of offshore wind energy: RWE, TenneT, Ballast Nedam, Van Oord, 2-B Energy, XEMC Darwind, ECN and the TU Delft (see figure 7). Eneco and IHC Merwede recently joined the consortium as new partners. Other new partners can also join FLOW, provided they bring valuable knowledge, competencies or experience to the consortium.

Rwe

The international energy company RWE is one of Europe’s largest producers and suppliers of electricity. RWE already has a strong presence in the offshore wind energy market in the United Kingdom. The company operates the 60 MW North Hoyle wind farm off the Welsh coast and will commission a second wind farm with 90 MW of installed capacity at Rhyl Flats this year. A further offshore wind farm, which is also planned off the coast of North Wales at Gwynt y Môr, will become one of the largest farms of its kind in the world, with a planned capacity of several hundred MW. Moreover, RWE Innogy holds a 50% stake in the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm off the east coast of England. On completion in 2011, this wind farm will have a total capacity of 500 MW. RWE Innogy is also looking to expand its offshore production of wind energy to areas off the coast

Figure 7 – The Founding Fathers and partners of FLOW represent essential parts of the offshore wind energy value chain – other new partners may join

Founding Fathers and partners of the FLOW consortium

Wind farm development and operation

Electrical system and grid integration

Offshore engineering, construction and maintenance

Vessels and equipment for offshore installation and foundations

Wind turbine design and manufacturing

Wind energy R&D

Source: FLOW

The Founding Fathers and partners of the FLOW program on 2 September 2009, just after they presented the FLOW Business Plan to the Minister of Economic Affairs – from left to right: Johan van Wijland (Van Oord), Govert Hamers (IHC Merwede), Minister Van der Hoeven of Economic Affairs, Kees van der Klein (ECN), Dolf Elsevier van Griethuyzen (Ballast Nedam), Mel Kroon (TenneT), Prime Minister Balkenende, Herbert Peels (2-B Energy), Dirk Jan van den Berg (TU Delft), Hans de Boer (Innovation Platform), Huib Morelisse (RWE), Vincent van den Brekel (XEMC Darwind). Rens Knegt (Eneco) is not visible on the photo.


of mainland Europe. In Germany, for instance, the company is planning to build the Innogy Nordsee 1 wind farm with a capacity of about 960 MW off the German island Juist in the North Sea. In the Netherlands, a licence has been requested for the Tromp Binnen wind farm with a capacity of 300 MW off the northern Dutch coast.

en eco

Eneco is one of the three leading energy companies in the Netherlands. Wind energy forms an important element of Eneco’s sustainability strategy. Eneco expects that in 2020, 70% of the electricity supplied to its customers will already be generated from sustainable resources. In the Netherlands, Eneco owns 100 land-based wind turbines with a total capacity of 120 MW and can supply an additional 120 MW with the Princess Amalia wind farm in the North Sea. With its own wind turbines, Eneco already supplies more than 170,000

households with electricity generated from wind. In addition, Eneco has concluded power purchase agreements for a total amount of approximately 700 MW with which it can supply nearly 500,000 households with electricity. The land based Anna Vosdijkpolder wind farm (15 MW) became operational in 2008, followed in 2009 by the St. Antoinedijk wind farm (10 MW) in the city of Halderberge. In Belgium, Eneco has a wind energy capacity of 80 MW. Eneco is also active in France and Great Britain. It is expected that the British Tullo wind farm will become operational in 2010.

Ten n eT

The Transmission System Operator TenneT is the Dutch electricity carrier. TenneT safeguards thereliability and continuity of the electricity supply in the Netherlands. It also develops services andtasks to further advance the electricity market and enable it to function properly. For example the development of a sustainable energy system.

ballasT n edam

Ballast Nedam is a Dutch multinational, active in the building, construction and infrastructure sectors and aiming to become one of the most prominent players in the European offshore wind energy market. The company has a special offshore wind energy division with extensive experience in the design, installation, construction and development of offshore wind farms. Ballast Nedam installed the first Dutch wind farm named Lely in 1994, followed by Dronten in 1996, and OWEZ in 2006. Last year, Ballast Nedam installed the foundations for two offshore wind farms in the United Kingdom. Ballast Nedam is currently involved in the German offshore wind energy project Baltic I. Ballast Nedam is also engaged in the Dutch R&D project We@Sea and recently developed a new concept for an environmentally-friendly concrete monopile foundation as part of the Swedish Kriegers Flak R&D project.

Van ooRd

Van Oord is an international Dutch dredging and marine contractor. The company is a world leader in dredging projects, marine construction projects and offshore activities, while also being an important player in offshore wind energy. Van Oord’s activities as a management contractor in the field of offshore wind energy comprise the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of foundations and the electrical part of wind farms. In the Netherlands, Van Oord was responsible as DPC contractor (Design, Procurement and Construction) for the installation of the Prinsess Amalia wind farm off the coast of IJmuiden. Van Oord is currently engaged as an EPC contractor in preparations for the Belwind Project off the coast of Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Topview from HLV Svanen, installing a foundation at Egmond aan Zee wind farm – © photo Ballast Nedam Loading a 150 kV cable for Princess Amalia wind farm – © photo Van Oord


into operation in 2010 at the ECN test site in the Wieringermeer polder. Unique characteristics of this Dutch turbine are: (1) Custom-developed for offshore applications (2) Low installation and maintenance costs (3) High availability and high revenues at competitive purchase costs. The company is striving to become a major global supplier of offshore wind turbines. This statement is underlined by the recent partnership with the Chinese company XEMC Windpower. The new Chinese-Dutch company plans to start commercial operations from 2011. Together with its partners and suppliers, XEMC Darwind will create hundreds of jobs in the Netherlands, mainly for development, assembly, logistics, installation and in operation & maintenance.

ecn

ECN is the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands. It is the largest Dutch R&D institute in the field of renewable energy. ECN develops

high-grade knowledge and technology for a sustainable energy system and brings this to market. The special wind energy unit occupies a strategic position between universities and industry, covers all relevant wind energy disciplines and is one of Europe’s leading offshore wind energy institutes.

Tu delfT

Delft University of Technology is a multilateral and multidisciplinary university of technology, where 15,000 students and 5,000 employees work on technical solutions and innovations for social problems and the development of knowledge. Renewable energy, such as wind power, is one of the main subjects of scientific research at Delft. The research into wind energy in Delft is carried out at the Delft University Wind Energy Research Institute, DUWIND.

i hc meRwede

IHC Merwede is focused on the continuous development of its design and construction activities for the specialized shipbuilding sector in particular for the dredging and offshore industries. It’s the world’s market leader in the construction of specialist dredging equipment and is also recognized as an outstanding builder of complex, custom-built vessels for offshore construction. Offshore wind energy is one of IHC Merwede’s focal points. The company has collected all its expertise in this area in a specialized center of excellence: ‘IHC Offshore Wind Energy’. The clients of IHC Merwede include major dredging companies, oil and gas exploration groups, offshore contractors and government authorities. It has a staff of approximately 2,800 at its locations in the Netherlands and has branch offices in China, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

2-b en eRgy

2-B Energy will bring a new design to market for large dedicated offshore wind turbines with significant lower investment and operations costs. A holistic approach - based on component reduction, material savings and extended lifetime - has led to an innovative wind power plant concept. The solution includes a 2-blade rotor, a truss tower support structure and a direct current power export system. The prototype will be put into use during the first half of 2011.

Xemc daRwi n d

XEMC Darwind, formerly known as Darwind, is a design and development agency, and future manufacturer specializing in ‘direct drive’ technology for offshore wind turbines that will lead to lower operating and maintenance costs. XEMC Darwind is currently working on the third generation of Direct Drive wind turbines. The prototype of this 5 MW turbine will be taken

Access to a turbine with heave compensation at Egmond aan Zee wind farm – © photo AmpelmannApplication of scour protection at Princess Amalia wind farm – © photo Van Oord

This is a publication of the FLOW consortium, issued at the presentation of the FLOW Business Plan to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Innovation Platform on September 2nd, 2009. www.flow-windpark.nl

Measurement mast Egmond aan Zee wind farm – © photo We@Sea, Jos Beurskens