Generating renewable energy
The most important direct contribution we can make to a more sustainable energy supply consists of the realisation of renewable production capacity. With this in mind, we have been investing in renewable production capacity since 1987 Ð with a view to increasing the share of renewable electricity in our total energy production.
Examples of Nuon's renewable generation capacity:
- Offshore Wind Farm at Egmond aan Zee
- Nuon Helianthos: innovation in solar energy
- Hydropower stations at Maurik and Alphen aan de Maas
- Biomass in Lelystad
Offshore Wind Farm at Egmond aan Zee
The first wind farm off the Dutch coast comprises 36 turbines with a total capacity of 108 Megawatts. The wind farm thus delivers sufficient electricity to power 100,000 households, comparable to a city the size of Eindhoven. The wind farm was built on the initiative of the Dutch government by a joint venture between Shell and Nuon. The joint venture is called NoordzeeWind.
Innovation in solar energy
In May 2006, Nuon became the owner of Helianthos, a company engaged in developing the large-scale production of solar cell foil. Through Helianthos we are pursuing a breakthrough in the decentralised generation of renewable energy. In the coming years the Helianthos team will work on improving solar cell foil technology and preparing large-scale production.
Hydropower stations at Maurik & Alphen aan de Maas
Dams have been built in Dutch rivers so that shipping traffic remains possible even at low water levels. Nuon uses these differences in water levels to produce electricity with hydropower stations.
Biomass in Lelystad
Our first biomass power station is located in Lelystad. This power station generates electricity by burning organic material. The power station is connected to the district heating network and its residual heat is used to heat homes and buildings. This yields an excellent environmental performance.