Welcome to Hollandse Kust Zuid SeaLab
Welcome to Vattenfall’s Hollandse Kust Zuid “SeaLab”. This website is showcasing selected environment & sustainability projects. Discover how Vattenfall is enhancing marine habitats, supports wildlife conservation with innovative technologies and fosters circularity at their offshore wind farms. In collaboration with universities, research institutes and other partners we want to enable a holistic and sustainable view for the future of fossil free energy production. This page will be updated regularly with new projects, showing our ambition to be a frontrunner of sustainability in the energy business.
Introducing Video Eva Julius Philipp
Eva Julius Philipp, Director Environment & Sustainability Unit introducing Vattenfall SeaLab
Bird Collision
Monitoring seabird movements to support protection efforts
Vattenfall is enhancing measures to protect bird populations at the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) offshore wind farm. We have installed 16 thermal cameras operating around the clock, using AI to analyse bird behaviour and detect collisions. Trialing this innovative system aims to provide accurate data on bird collisions at offshore wind farms. This will help gain new insights on the topic.
Recycable Blades
How new sets of wind turbine blades make recycling easier
Wind turbine blades are built to withstand the toughest of nature’s tests. That same sturdiness makes the blades difficult to recycle at the end of their operational life. Much of the challenge lies in the resin used in the construction, which requires high temperatures and pressures to break down. This process is energy-intensive and degrades the material properties, complicating recycling efforts.
Nature inclusive Design
Enhancing marine biodiversity alongside fossil-free energy production
At Hollandse Kust Zuid, Vattenfall is working with the Dutch nature conservation organisation De Rijke Noordzee to promote marine biodiversity as part of the wind farm’s nature-inclusive design.
Air curtains
Protection of underwater marine life during construction
In the beginning of September 2022, a significant milestone was achieved in the construction of the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm with all 140 monopiles successfully installed into the Dutch North Seabed. These monopiles serve as the foundation for the turbines.