Energy Hub in the North Sea

Abstract

The climate goals for 2020, that multiple countries in the world signed, are coming closer. Like many other countries, the Netherlands has difficulties reaching their climate goal. A solution came from the Paris agreement in 2015, which sets new goals for 2030, and eventually for the long term in 2050. This time the Netherlands is eager to reach their goal and amongst many other initiatives, a proposition came from TenneT, the country’s national energy operator, to construct an island in the North Sea, functioning as a central “wind connector hub” to connect multiple offshore wind farms and distributing the energy more efficiently over the neighbouring countries. The goal of the project is to propose and analyse a preliminary design for the construction of that artificial island in the North Sea, capable of acting as a central energy hub. An analysis for optimum location for the island was performed based on maximum wind generation, shallow water depths, centrality to the North Sea countries, and environmental restrictions. Of various types of island considered, the reclamation type was chosen for preliminary design because it is the most cost effective for the location’s water depths and the most commonly constructed island type. Following the scope definition, correspondence with TenneT and consultancy with subject experts at TU Delft was made to refine preliminary design outcomes. The preliminary design covers the analysis of available environmental and geotechnical data, safety approach, island shape, zones, elevations, analysis of alternative sea defence structures, building with nature measures, port and terminal design, and preliminary construction plan. The conclusions of this investigation cover practical issues, project risks and uncertainties, and opportunities to reduce costs are discussed.