Bureau Waardenburg has carried out research into the effects of the offshore wind farm at Egmond aan Zee on birds. The research was commisioned by NoordzeeWind, a consortium of NUON and Shell. The results of this research were published in early 2012.

Reports

• final report flying birds
• final report cumulative effects
• final report benthos
• flight movements further offshore, at K14
• Integrated report on the effects of OWEZ on the distribution and flight movements of birds

Location

Offshore Wind Farm Egmond aan Zee lies some 10 to 15 km from the coast of Egmond in the Netherlands (see map). This, wind farm comprises of 36 wind turbines. This park is operated by NoordzeeWind (a consortium of NUON and Shell), who commissioned research into the effects that offshore wind turbines have on the organisms that live there. 

Research period

Between 2003 and 2005 a baseline study was carried out from Meetpost Noordwijk that aimed to record the flight patterns, numbers and flight heights of birds at sea in a situation without wind turbines.

The effect study itself was carried out in 2007 to 2011. In this period the flight patterns, flight heights and numbers of birds around the wind farm were recorded. The effects of the turbines was also investigated. During this period the development of growth of the underwater parts of the turbine structures was also investigated.

Research questions

The research was divided into five research modules: 

• Flight paths, flight heights and flight intensity of birds at OWEZ
  • with radar
• Cumulative effects of offshore wind farms on birds
• Flight intensitiy and flight heights of birds further offshore
• Development of growth on underwater structures of the turbines
• Local birds (together with IMARES)

Contact persons: