History

In 1998, a number of companies including E-connection, Vestas, Mammoet van Oord, Smulders and Fabricom embarked on the development of the offshore Princess Amalia Wind Farm.

For the installation, operation and eventual demolition of the wind farm, various permits are required. This involves a procedure that is often time-consuming but is extremely important, since these permits ensure safe, effective, efficient, ecologically sound use of the sea. In December of 1999, property developer E-Connection applied for a permit for the construction and operation of the wind farm. The Economic Impact Evaluation started a few months later in May 2000. This report details the expected impact of the wind farm on the environment. The report was drawn up towards the end of August 2001 by the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment.

The permit was issued on February 18, 2002. The permits for the construction and the maintenance of the offshore and land cables (required for tunnelling through the sand dunes) were obtained in the spring of 2002.

In October 2004, Econcern and Energy Investments Holding (EIH) signed a joint agreement to take over all permits and rights relating to the construction and operation of E-connection’s windpark. To this end, Econcern and EIH established a holding company called Q7 Holding B.V. This was soon followed by talks with Eneco regarding its participation in the project.

In March 2005, Eneco and Q7 Holding signed a declaration of intent for the construction and operation of the wind farm. As a consequence, those involved could start with preparations for construction. First of all, an onshore 50 kV cable connection running from the sand dunes to the substation in Velsen was installed alongside the land cable of the OWEZ wind farm. As a result, digging only needed to take place once.

On 10 July 2006, E-Connection transferred the project to Q7 Holding. On 11 July, the investors Eneco and Q7 Holding and the banks Rabobank and Dexia signed a term sheet for non-recourse project financing. As a result, Eneco officially received a 50% stake in the wind park on 26 July. On 25 October, after the banks had carried out thorough due diligence, the definitive financing agreements were signed (the Financial Close).

On 10 October 2006, the first foundations were laid at sea. At the beginning of 2008, the wind park will start generating power and it will be officially delivered in the spring of 2008.