Dutch Innovation Makes Wind Turbine Installation Greener

Dutch companies CORROSION and Amphibious Energy have launched the new ICCP-POD described as an environmentally-friendly alternative to using diesel generators to supply energy during the construction phase of wind turbines, and sacrificial anodes to protect turbine foundations against corrosion.

The ICCP-POD combines two technologies. The EnergyPod, developed by Amphibious Energy, is an easy-to-transport autonomous energy plant that uses sun, wind, batteries, and intelligent electronics to provide sustainable energy during the 18-month construction of wind turbines, replacing diesel generators in the process.

To protect against corrosion during this construction phase, CORROSION developed compact ICCP (Impressed Current Cathodic Protection) units.

By using an electronic current supplied by the EnergyPod, these are said to represent an innovative eco-friendly alternative to sacrificial anodes, which discharge large quantities of metals and heavy metals into the water.

When the wind turbines are installed and grid-connected, the energy supply for the ICCP system is switched from the EnergyPod to the wind turbine itself.

”CORROSION was the first company in the world to develop a cost-effective, easy-tomaintain and environmentally friendly anti-corrosion solution for wind turbines foundations,” said Niels Ros, Manager Offshore Wind at CORROSION.

”We are delighted that through this partnership with Amphibious Energy, we are also able to offer the same sustainable protection solutions during the construction phase of wind turbines.”

According to Willem van der Merwe, Director at Amphibious Energy, the ICCP-POD drives down costs of protecting installations from corrosion.

”The ICCP-POD delivers substantial cost savings compared to a diesel generator. In addition, further savings can be realized in other ways. For instance, by installing uncoated foundations, foundations with a single base coat or utilizing less carbon steel (corrosion allowance), depending on customer needs and design boundaries. In terms of environmental performance, CORROSION’s ICCP unit provides major benefits. Over a 25-year period, CORROSION’s systems discharge approximately 1.5 million times less aluminum into the sea than traditional sacrificial anodes. Furthermore, the EnergyPod is also completely recyclable and can be re-used several times over a period of 5 to 10 years, so that the costs will decrease even further,” said Willem van der Merwe.