Enormous advances have been made in wind and solar energy – to the point that grid parity has now been achieved. The cost price of renewable energy is the same as for energy obtained using fossil fuels. Sustainable energy sources are set to overtake fossil fuels over the next few years. But the growing use of renewable resources also brings major challenges with it.
The market for wind energy is growing across the world, not least now that we have achieved grid parity. Offshore wind is an enormous growth market for Sif too. We are continuing to pursue our work both nationally and internationally. And we are always looking towards the future. Specifically we see a scenario where floating wind farms represent the latest development.
Humans have been harnessing the power of wind for more than 2,000 years. But the use of wind to generate electricity is a more recent phenomenon. And this development is now beginning to bear fruit. Grid parity has now been achieved, which means that the cost price of offshore wind is the same as for energy obtained using fossil fuels. But there is no end in sight to the development of wind energy and other renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy is a hot topic at the moment. Sustainable energy is actually more beneficial in the long term, in both financial and environmental terms. Developments in Europe in this field have not gone unnoticed in the rest of the world. We are now looking at opportunities in Asia and the Americas.
In collaboration with various parties in the wind sector, including Sif Netherlands, this week the Dutch Government launched an international campaign entitled Wind & Water Works. This campaign was launched during an offshore wind energy masterclass organised by the Netherlands for ten guest nations. The name of the campaign conveys a clear message and reflects the expertise and professional approach of Dutch companies and government bodies in the field of wind energy at sea. Wind & Water Works demonstrates how Dutch companies are now applying their offshore expertise developed over many years to offshore wind energy.
In 2013, engineering firm KCI started a research project in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and developed the Double Slip Joint: an innovative technology that connects the monopile and transition piece for wind turbines at sea