Exploring locations for floating windmills at sea
WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao government is taking a significant step next week in exploring the possibilities of generating energy with offshore wind turbines. The Dutch specialized company, Fugro, has been commissioned by the Curaçao government to conduct a geophysical survey of the seabed in the waters surrounding Curaçao using its vessel named M.V. Fugro Brasilis. Fugro will carry out its research between July 17th and July 29th of this year.
The survey is crucial for the government's aim to produce sustainable energy from wind, including green hydrogen, as part of a comprehensive energy transition in the country and to establish a chain of production and export capacity for clean fuels. The government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on this matter with the Dutch Minister Jetten for Climate and Energy in May of this year.
The purpose of the survey, to be conducted by Fugro, is to gather preliminary data necessary to identify and delineate areas that are most suitable from a geophysical perspective as potential locations for the construction of bottom-fixed floating platforms for wind turbines. The research will utilize deepwater sensors to create a three-dimensional image of the seabed. The research area is limited to the boundaries of Curaçao's Exclusive Economic Zone, which extend to the borders of Venezuela, Aruba, and Bonaire.
The production of green hydrogen through renewable energy from wind serves as a catalyst for the rapid transition to 100% renewable energy sources in Curaçao, while simultaneously creating significant export potential for green hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and supporting clean energy-intensive industries.
The ambition to become a regional leader in green hydrogen production through wind energy is based on research conducted by TNO, the Dutch independent organization for applied scientific research. The initial research indicates that Curaçao, due to its geographic location and weather conditions, has a unique opportunity for maximum efficiency in wind energy generation. This marks the starting point of an exploratory phase to assess the feasibility and desirability of options. The research conducted by Fugro is part of this trajectory.
The development and preparation of this mega-project, particularly the exploration of wind turbine placement options, is carried out by a working group consisting of four ministries (General Affairs, Economic Development, Health, Nature & Environment, and Traffic, Transportation, and Spatial Planning), as well as four government-owned companies, namely Curoil, Refineria di Korsou, Aqualectra, and Curaçao Port Authority. This working group is accountable to a governance steering group comprised of the four ministers from the aforementioned ministries.