NoordzeeWind, a joint venture of Shell and Dutch energy company Nuon are to develop the first Dutch offshore wind farm in the North Sea.

Erection company Ballast Nedam and wind turbine manufacturer Vestas are partners in Bouwcombinatie Egmond, which has signed a design and build contract for the farm on a turnkey basis. Located 10 – 18 km off the coast of Egmond aan Zee, construction of the farm is expected to begin this autumn and the plant is due for commissioning in late 2006. The 36 turbine, 108 MW farm will require a total investment of more than €200 million.