Grontmij Keeps Dutch Coast Safe With Innovative Sand Wind Turbine

Grontmij in the Netherlands has developed a concept known as the Sand wind turbine, according to which wind turbines are able to generate energy to transport sand, through pipelines, to the shoreline. Grontmij is further elaborating this concept with the Dutch Department of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat). Other market parties may become involved in the programme.

Every year, 12 million m3 of sand is transported landwards by cutter dredgers, to protect the Dutch coastline. Given the expected sea level rise and the autonomous demand of the Wadden Sea for sand suppletion, these efforts will continue to be necessary over the coming centuries. The transport of sand to the shore by cutter section dredger costs approximately 60 million euro a year, and generates a CO2 emission of 150,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to the emissions from 80,000 cars.

Source: Offshore Wind