Vattenfall participates in KOBINE project with Hollandse Kust Zuid

Energy provider Vattenfall revealed its recent participation in the Cost and Biodiversity Nature Inclusive Energy (KOBINE) initiative on Biodiversity Day.

The costs and advantages of initiatives that include nature are mapped out in this study.

In the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm, a number of artificial reefs have been installed, and Vattenfall will study how species grows on these artificial reefs. Construction is presently underway on this 1.5 GW wind farm between The Hague and Zandvoort, which is located about 18 kilometers inland. Nine man-made rock reefs were built during construction to improve the habitat for species like cod. The first inspection of the reefs, which have been there for two years, will take place in June. The intention is to use video to document the local wildlife.

Costs and advantages of actions that include nature

The study is a component of the KOBINE project, a Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality-funded initiative that maps the costs and advantages of nature-inclusive policies. The project is a partnership between Wittenveen+ Bos, De Rijke Noordze, Waardenburg Ecology, and Wageningen Marine Research.

Positively affects nature

By 2030, Vattenfall hopes that its operations will have a net beneficial impact on biodiversity. This can be accomplished in two ways: on the one hand, by taking actions to stop or lessen bad impacts; and on the other, by maximizing favorable outcomes. For instance, while planning a wind farm, local ecological values are already taken into consideration, and the turbines are shut off when vulnerable bats or birds fly nearby.

Image source: Vattenfall

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