When you think of wind farms, an image of towering white wind turbines against a backdrop of the ocean often comes to mind.
There are many such offshore wind farms around the globe, and one of the largest operational farms is based in the Netherlands. The Hollandse Kust Zied, located at least 18 kilometres (11 miles) from shore, came online in 2023 and produces enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes.
The Dutch have also installed a wind farm closer to shore, in what is the largest freshwater wind farm in the world. Windpark Fryslân, on Lake IJssel, provides power for 500,000 homes and is located just six kilometres (four miles) from villages that line the shore.
The closeness to shore created some opposition from residents who worried about a negative impact on the view. To help address this, the three-blade wind turbines are installed in a hexagonal pattern. In addition, the proximity to shore presented some challenges for moving the materials and installation. The ships that transported the materials had to navigate the dikes as well as be able to work in shallow waters to install the turbines.
Despite this, the wind farm is now a fixture, helping the country reduce its emissions. And not only that but the artificial island that was constructed to help with the installation is now a nature reserve. The wind farm also provides a unique location for a sailing race, The Windmill Cup, which sees racers navigating the wind farm.
Powering homes through green wind power, both offshore and closer to the coast, the Dutch have comprehensive experience for other countries to learn from.