Wind Energy – Partnership
Super market chain Albert Heijn and Eneco are entering into a long-term partnership for the purchase of green electricity from a yet-to-be-built wind farm buy Ecowende.
By generating Dutch wind energy through this farm, Albert Heijn will meet half of its own power needs from 2027. The power purchase agreement with Eneco will ensure the availability of sustainable power for 15 years, and will therefore contribute to further increasing the sustainability of the supermarket chain.
Albert Heijn’s climate target is an emissions-free supply chain (net zero) by 2050. Its own shops, distribution centres and offices are already fully climate-neutral, which is due to the switch to 100% Dutch wind power in early 2021.
A completely carbon-free chain requires energy offtake from more sustainable sources. Albert Heijn is therefore taking the next step by buying power from a new wind farm by the name of Ecowende that is to be constructed in the North Sea, 53 kilometres off the coast of IJmuiden.
Ecowende wind farm is the world’s first offshore wind farm to be built in harmony with nature. This will involve measures being taken to minimise the impact on the natural habitat of birds and bats, marine mammals and other marine life during the construction and operation of the park. This should result in a thriving underwater world being created around the park at a distance of 53 kilometres off the coast of IJmuiden.
With an installed capacity of about 760 MW, Ecowende will be able to green about 3% of the current Dutch electricity demand. The park will be operational by the end of 2026.
