This week, Heerema’s SSCV Thialf successfully installed the first three monopile foundations and transition pieces at EnBW’s He Dreiht offshore wind farm. This achievement sets the stage for the subsequent foundation installation cycle times for the remainder of the project, which will make a significant contribution to Germany's renewable energy transition. A further 61 monopiles and transition pieces will be installed over the summer.
Heerema is tasked to drive the monopiles, of approximately 70-meter long and 1350 metric tons, into the seabed using a hydraulic impact hammer. In order to achieve the highest level of noise reduction to protect life below water, Heerema uses the double walled noise mitigation template specifically designed for this project - the T-NMS-10000.
Project Manager Erik Bögels adds: “We’re very pleased to support our client EnBW in the development of the He Dreiht wind farm. We are well on our way and are confident that we will complete this project successfully and safely. What's more, the double-walled T-NMS-10000 enables us to stay below the German decibel limit. This is a great development in protecting life below water when pile driving.“
When completed, the He Dreiht wind farm is expected to have a capacity of over 960 MW, providing renewable energy for approximately 1.1 million households. This project not only supports Germany's energy transition, but also contributes to the European Union's broader goals of increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.