Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm

The largest offshore wind farm in the Netherlands, operational since 2023, powers approximately 1.5 million households, entirely subsidy-free.

Map-style infographic showing where the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm is located in the North Sea. The wind farm lies about 18 to 36 kilometres off the Dutch coast between Scheveningen and Zandvoort. The area is divided into four zones or parcels that together cover roughly 225 square kilometres.Map-style infographic showing where the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm is located in the North Sea. The wind farm lies about 18 to 36 kilometres off the Dutch coast between Scheveningen and Zandvoort. The area is divided into four zones or parcels that together cover roughly 225 square kilometres.

The largest offshore wind farm in the Netherlands, located 18–36 km off the South Holland coast. Operational since 2023, this 1.5 GW facility powers approx. 1.5 million households. Built entirely subsidy-free, it also boosts biodiversity and creates jobs. 

Project details  

  • Location: North Sea, 18–36 km off South Holland  
  • Capacity: 1,529 MW (139 Siemens Gamesa turbines, 11 MW each)  
  • Commissioned: 2023  
  • Partners: Vattenfall, BASF, Allianz 
Infographic of an offshore wind turbine with key dimensions: height above mean sea level 225 metres, rotor diameter 200 metres, blade length 97 metres, and swept area 31,400 square metres.Infographic of an offshore wind turbine with key dimensions: height above mean sea level 225 metres, rotor diameter 200 metres, blade length 97 metres, and swept area 31,400 square metres.

Wind turbines  

  • Type: Siemens Gamesa 11 MW  
  • Tip height: 225 m  
  • Rotor diameter: 200 m  
  • Blade length: 97 m  

Using larger turbines means fewer units are needed, improving efficiency and   
reducing costs and potential environmental impact.

Subsidy-free

Hollandse Kust Zuid is Europe’s first subsidy-free offshore wind farm. Government   
guarantees for grid connection and permits reduced risks and costs, enabling   
Vattenfall to build without financial support.

Jobs  

The wind farm creates employment, especially for technical maintenance. Check   
our careers page for current vacancies.  

Nature-enhancing measures  

  • Nature-Inclusive Design: Openings in the foundations and artificial rock reefs (8m wide, 2m high) have been installed to support fish and shellfish. Additionally, we are monitoring and researching how wind farms can best help combat climate change while contributing to biodiversity in the North Sea.
  • Protecting Biodiversity: We utilized a double bubble curtain during construction. This technology helps dampen underwater noise, protecting marine mammals such as the harbor porpoise.
  • Bird Protection: We shut down the wind turbines during periods of high bird activity. Furthermore, we are conducting ongoing research to ensure seabirds are protected as much as possible.
  • Circularity: Vattenfall has set a goal to recycle all wind turbine blades by 2030. Hollandse Kust Zuid features partially recyclable blades, allowing us to test them in practice and gain experience for future wind farms.
  • SeaLab: Hollandse Kust Zuid is home to SeaLab, which bridges the gap between science and sustainable energy. By working with partners, SeaLab focuses on ecological restoration and offshore circularity. Together, we are realizing an integrated vision for fossil-free energy production that respects nature. Read more about our various projects here.

Impact

  • Energy: enough for ~1.5 million homes.
  • Biodiversity: new ecosystems for cod, shellfish, porpoises and sharks.  

Strengthening marine biodiversity

Monotoring marine biodiversity. Photo: The Rich North Sea