The Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm near Borkum, the North Island of Germany, will be demolished only after 15 years of operation. [emphasis, links added]
Operations without substantial subsidies have become unprofitable.
Alpha Ventus is considered the first offshore wind farm in Germany. Construction began in August 2007 and the first turbine was installed in July 2009.
The pioneering wind farm was formally commissioned on April 27, 2010.
According to the Power Blackout News, The decisive factor in the demolition pioneer project was the expiration of generous subsidies through Germany's EEG Renewable Energy Eating Act.
Subsidies mean Once operational, the Alpha Ventus Wind Farm is 15.4 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Now that the subsidies are used up, wind farm operators are only receiving basic tariffs of 3.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, making the farm unprofitable.
Another factor: The older Alpha Venus wind farm is eclipsed by more modern, more efficient turbines.
Offshore wind farms are expensive
Overall, offshore wind farms are much more expensive to operate than onshore wind farms due to increased maintenance costs, accessibility, severe environments and the professional equipment and personnel required to carry out their operations.
Offshore wind farms operate much more expensive than onshore wind farms, due to the combination of its challenging marine environment and multiple factors in remote areas.
Offshore turbines are exposed to corrosive brine, strong winds, large waves and potential storms Accelerate wear on the assembly. This can lead to more frequent failures and the need for stronger and more expensive materials.
Due to weather restrictions and logistical challenges, turbines break down onshore, access, diagnosis and repairs usually take much longer than on onshore turbines.
This can lead to greater losses in power generation and revenue.
Top image of Alpha Ventus Offshore Wind via RWE/YouTube screenshot
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