Power Grid

The Netherlands is preparing to initiate the installation of the largest floating solar farm in the North Sea in 2025, as part of its strategy to enhance renewable energy projects and meet the rising demand for electricity.

The first solar panels for the Hollandeez Cast Nord farm (HKN) have arrived at the port of Amsterdam, with Cross Wind overseeing their installation throughout the next year.

Crosswind's innovative floating solar and wind technologies have proven resilient in the harsh marine conditions of the North Sea. The company highlights that these panels will have a strong operational track record, having been tested for four years in similar environments.

This project has received support from both the European Commission and the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, with the aim of showcasing a model for future hybrid renewable energy projects that integrate solar, wind, and hydrogen.

Oceans of Energy will manage the transport of the floating panels, which are designed to generate nearly 7 megawatts of power, utilizing marine vessels to streamline logistics and reduce the need for heavy lifting equipment. The Port of Amsterdam is strategically positioned to commercialize the integration of solar and wind energy, especially following a similar initiative launched in Belgium earlier this year.

Once fully operational, the floating solar farm is expected to have a total capacity of around 759 MW and will be the first of its kind to combine large-scale battery systems for energy storage with green hydrogen production from offshore wind. Upon completion, the hybrid project is projected to generate approximately 3.3 TWh of electricity annually, significantly contributing to the Netherlands' energy supply and fulfilling about 2.8% of the country's electricity demand.