The world’s first offshore wind-solar project is taking shape in the Dutch North Sea, promising to revolutionize renewable energy generation. This groundbreaking initiative combines offshore wind and solar power, potentially increasing energy output by up to five times while utilizing the same sea area. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development.
Pioneering Project in the Dutch North Sea
Located 22 kilometers off the coast of the Netherlands, the Hollandse Kust Noord (HKN) offshore wind farm is the site for this innovative project. The existing 759 MW wind farm, operated by Crosswind—a joint venture between Shell and Dutch utility Eneco—is set to host a floating solar farm supplied by the Dutch company Oceans of Energy.
Anchoring System Installation: A Major Milestone
Oceans of Energy recently completed the installation of an anchoring system that will secure the solar farm in place. An electrical cable will connect the array to a nearby wind turbine foundation. According to Allard van Hoeken, Founder & CEO of Oceans of Energy, this installation marks a significant milestone, representing the first offshore installation works for this groundbreaking project.
How Does It Work?
The concept is ingeniously simple yet highly effective. By integrating a floating solar farm within an existing offshore wind farm, the project aims to maximize energy production from the same area of sea.
Synergistic Energy Production
Combining offshore solar with offshore wind offers a more continuous flow of electricity. Wind power tends to be more abundant in winter, while solar power peaks in the summer. This complementary production pattern ensures a more stable and reliable energy supply throughout the year.
Efficient Use of Sea Space
Placing solar modules in the sea space between wind turbine foundations allows for a much higher energy yield per square kilometer. Studies by Oceans of Energy suggest that this approach can generate up to five times more energy compared to using either technology alone.
Shared Infrastructure
Integrating offshore solar with wind farms allows for the shared use of essential infrastructure, such as grid connections to land, maintenance facilities, and installation equipment. This reduces costs and streamlines operations, making the combined projects more economically viable.
The Vision of Oceans of Energy
Oceans of Energy has been at the forefront of offshore solar technology. In 2019, the company deployed the world’s first offshore solar farm, a 50 kW modular PV system, in the Dutch North Sea. This pilot project demonstrated the feasibility and resilience of offshore solar installations in high-wave conditions. The system operated continuously for four years, enduring numerous winter storms.
Expansion and Future Prospects
Building on this success, Oceans of Energy signed its first commercial contract with Crosswind in 2023. The engineering, permitting, and fabrication phases were successfully completed, and offshore installation commenced in April 2025. This project represents a major step forward in realizing the potential of offshore solar energy.
Crosswind’s Commitment to Innovation
Crosswind is dedicated to enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of offshore wind farms through innovative solutions. The Hollandse Kust Noord project includes several pioneering initiatives:
- Offshore Solar Integration: Combining wind and solar power to create a more stable and higher energy output.
- Battery Storage: Implementing battery storage solutions to store excess energy and ensure a consistent supply.
- Green Hydrogen Production: Producing green hydrogen from offshore wind power on a megawatt scale.
Jeroen van Loon, Offshore Solar Project Manager at Crosswind, emphasizes the importance of the anchoring system for the safety and stability of the floating solar park and its seamless operation alongside the wind turbines.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Offshore wind-solar projects offer numerous environmental and economic advantages:
Increased Renewable Energy Capacity
By maximizing energy production from existing sea areas, these projects contribute to a significant increase in renewable energy capacity, helping to meet growing energy demands sustainably.
Reduced Spatial Pressures on Land
Moving solar energy installations offshore alleviates the spatial pressures on land. This is particularly important in densely populated coastal regions where land is scarce and valuable.
Enhanced Biodiversity
Floating platforms can serve as protective habitats for juvenile fish and facilitate the growth of mussels and seaweed, promoting marine biodiversity.
More Stable Energy Supply
The combination of wind and solar energy provides a more stable and continuous power supply, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
Cost Efficiency
Sharing infrastructure and resources between wind and solar projects reduces overall costs, making renewable energy more competitive with traditional energy sources.
The Future of Offshore Energy
The successful deployment of the world’s first offshore wind-solar project marks a pivotal moment in the renewable energy sector. As technology advances and costs decrease, we can expect to see more of these integrated projects around the world.
Potential for Widespread Adoption
A 2020 report by DNV GL predicted that the North Sea could host around 100 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030 and 500 MW by 2035. This indicates the vast potential for scaling up offshore solar energy in the coming years.
Global Impact
Offshore wind-solar projects can play a crucial role in helping coastal regions, islands, and remote locations achieve sustainability. They offer a viable pathway to meet total energy demands with renewables, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the prospects for offshore wind-solar projects are bright, there are challenges to address. These include:
- Technological advancements: Further innovation is needed to improve the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of offshore solar technologies.
- Regulatory frameworks: Clear and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to facilitate the development and deployment of offshore renewable energy projects.
- Environmental impact assessments: Thorough environmental impact assessments are necessary to ensure that these projects do not harm marine ecosystems.
By addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities, offshore wind-solar projects can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The world’s first offshore wind-solar project represents a significant step towards a sustainable energy future. By combining the strengths of wind and solar power, this innovative approach offers a pathway to generate more clean energy, utilize sea space efficiently, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. As this technology continues to evolve and expand, it promises to play a vital role in meeting the world’s growing energy needs while protecting our planet. The Dutch North Sea is not just a body of water; it’s becoming a testbed for a new era of energy production.
