The transition to renewable energy sources means exploiting the potential of wind power worldwide. In Europe, offshore wind farms are playing a major role. One example is Hollandse Kust Zuid, a wind farm with 140 turbines delivering a total of 1.5 gigawatts (GW) that is being built off the coast of the Netherlands. Scheduled for completion in 2023, the project is the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
For project operator Vattenfall, employee health and safety are the main priority – during construction, commissioning, and operation. DEKRA is supporting the development of a safety-oriented corporate culture (Culture of Care) that includes implementing Vattenfall’s Oldegard program. This involves assessing the culture, followed by management and personnel development measures and subsequent coaching aimed at anchoring newly learned behaviors.
Ensuring employee safety is the focus of other projects as well. For example, DEKRA’s expertise has been called on in the permit planning process for the Gode Wind 3 project close to the island of Borkum, off the German coast. DEKRA has examined whether the constructor satisfies all fire protection requirements and regulations. Fire protection concepts and training are among the many services DEKRA provides for planning, constructing, and operating wind turbines and wind farms.
“If major projects like Hollandse Kust Zuid are to contribute to the energy transition, they must generate electricity reliably. A world-class culture focused on health, safety, and the environment is the key to facilitating investments in future projects and facilities.”
Culture Program Manager, Vattenfall
