First Floating Solar Panels Arrive at Port of Amsterdam for Installation at Dutch Offshore Wind Farm

The first floating solar panels for the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore farm have arrived at the Port of Amsterdam.
First Floating Solars Arrive in Port of Amsterdam for Installation at Dutch Offshore Wind Farm

The initial floating solar panels for the Hollandse Kust Noord (HKN) offshore solar farm have reached the Port of Amsterdam, ready for deployment at the Dutch CrossWind HKN offshore wind farm.

Scheduled for a 2025 installation, the Hollandse Kust Noord solar farm is anticipated to become the largest offshore solar farm in the North Sea.

The company’s floating technology, which has been tested for four years under North Sea conditions, has shown resilience, making it the only technology worldwide with a proven operational track record in challenging offshore waters, according to Oceans of Energy.

Supported by the European Commission and the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, this project serves as a model for future offshore energy integration, combining solar, wind, and hydrogen energy production.

Oceans of Energy will transport the solar floaters in 7 MW batches through the IJmuiden sea sluice using light-spec vessels, reducing reliance on heavy-lift equipment.

The Port of Amsterdam is ideal for deploying our system. As demonstrated in Belgium earlier this year, our modular system is quick and easy to assemble, taking only days to transition from factory to water, stated Oceans of Energy.

CrossWind’s Hollandse Kust Noord project is a 759 MW offshore wind initiative employing technologies to enhance the flexibility of offshore wind farms.

This project is pioneering by being the first wind farm globally with offshore battery storage and round-trip green hydrogen production from offshore wind power on a megawatt scale. Upon completion, it aims to generate at least 3.3 TWh of clean energy annually.

In April 2023, Oceans of Energy secured the contract to install and operate an offshore solar farm within the Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm.

Earlier in the year, Oceans of Energy partnered with WavEC on an EU joint industry project aiming to scale floating solar technology to standard formats of 150 MW, facilitating gigawatt-scale farm development.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.