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Vattenfall Group press relsease from September 20, 2023: On September 29, 2023,  Dutch King Willem-Alexander officially inaugurated wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid. To mark the occasion the king celebrated the completion of Vattenfall’s largest offshore windfarm to date together with executives of Vattenfall, BASF and Allianz on the beach of IJmuiden in front of a life-sized human turbine. The fossil free electricity generated from Hollandse Kust Zuid is expected to equal the consumption of 1.5 million households. Hollandse Kust Zuid is located in the North Sea, 18-36 kilometers off the Dutch coast between the towns of Scheveningen and Zandvoort. The 139 turbines have a total capacity of 1.5 GW, making it one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Its annual electricity production is expected to equal the consumption of 1.5 million households. Hollands Kust Zuid is owned by Vattenfall, BASF and Allianz. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational in 2024 and will be serviced out of the port of IJmuiden. “Vattenfall aims to be a leader in the energy transition and offshore wind is essential for energy security and to achieve Net Zero. The realization of a project of this magnitude makes me really proud and today is a great example of what we can achieve when partnering with industry. Hollandse Kust Zuid will not only contribute to reduce BASF’s caron footprint but will also help meet local businesses and households demand for fossil free electricity,” says Helene Biström, Head of Business Area Wind at  Vattenfall. “Around half of the electricity from Hollandse Kust Zuid will be used to reduce the carbon footprint of our products at BASF sites in Europe. It is the first major investment of BASF in facilities for renewable power. To be part of making that happen makes me also personally very proud and happy. This marks another milestone on our way to climate-neutral production of chemicals,“  says Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. BASF aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by the year 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Replacing fossil-based electricity with fossil-free electricity is an important lever to further bring down emissions. “Allianz invests policyholder funds in renewable energy and owns more than 100 wind and solar farms. I am delighted that today we are opening our first direct investment in an offshore wind farm, together with BASF and Vattenfall. This underlines the ability of partnerships to catalyse action and bring climate solutions to life,” says Oliver Bate, CEO of Allianz Allianz is committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in its proprietary investment and Property & Casualty underwriting portfolios and already by 2030 within its own operations   Biodiversity at heart Several innovative techniques were used during the construction of Hollandse Kust, like a double bubble screen to dampen underwater noise during pile driving to limit the impact for harbor porpoises. Enlarged water replenishment holes in the foundations offer shelter for marine life inside the turbines, the first time the structure of a turbine itself is included in nature inclusive wind farm design. Boulders and rocks of varying sizes were used during the construction of scour protection. At several scour protection sites artificial rock reefs were added to make them more attractive to a wider number of fish, crabs and crustaceans.    Circularity - recyclable blades Three turbines are fitted with recently developed recyclable blades. The resin used to ‘glue’ blades together will be easier to dissolve after the working life of the turbines, making it easier to disseminate the blades and reuse the different elements. Hollandse Kust Zuid is a key project in the ambitious goals that Dutch government has set to combat climate change and to provide the Netherlands with renewable energy for the next generation. In 2018, Hollandse Kust Zuid was awarded as the first subsidy-free wind farm in the world. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational in 2024 and will be serviced out of the port of IJmuiden.   Grid connection  Two offshore substations connect Hollandse Kust Zuid to the Dutch grid. These grid connections have been developed and will be operated by the Dutch TSO TenneT. As part of the Dutch offshore wind policy grid connections are publicly funded, which ensures standardisation and subsequent cost savings. It gives wind farm developers certainty that they will not have to adjust their designs later. For more information, visit Vattenfall's website . Photo credits: Vattenfall Group  

Today, on Prinsjesdag, the Netherlands witnessed a pivotal moment in its political calendar as the Dutch government unveiled its budget for the year ahead. This annual tradition takes place in The Hague, with the King delivering a speech. The day outlines the government's financial priorities and policy agenda for the coming year. This year's budget presentation was closely watched, with a focus on, for instance, energy, defense and security, housing, transport, healthcare, education, and measures to address pressing social issues. As the nation anticipates the details, Prinsjesdag serves as a symbolic and practical reminder of the government's role in shaping the future of the Netherlands. Swedish Chamber member Public Matters writes the following: "On Budget Day (known as ‘Prinsjesdag’), the third Tuesday of September, the Dutch government announces its plans and ambitions for the coming year. Traditionally, the King is first to present the plans in his annual King’s Speech (‘Troonrede’). This year (yesterday – 19 September), the current caretaker Cabinet of Prime Minister Rutte presented its 2024 budget of a total of 433,6 billion euros, including a deficit of 30,7 billion euros. Key measures include a 2 billion euro plan to boost purchasing power and prevent more households from falling into poverty, and higher taxes for wealthier households and smaller businesses. After yesterday’s presentation, a cycle of parliamentary debates will follow. The budgets of all ministries must be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, but it’s yet unclear whether this will happen before or after the upcoming national elections on 22 November this year." Read more about the details of the Dutch Government Budget for the upcoming year on Public Matter's website .