The Netherlands and Virginia “Poseidon Atlantic Project” to Bring Wind-Testing Facility to the Commonwealth

News article | October 13, 2011

The Poseidon Atlantic project, a private sector driven initiative with Dutch companies and supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be the first facility to test and certify offshore and land-based wind turbine generators in the United States.

Real NewEnergy, Fugro, and Ecofys, Dutch companies with offices in Virginia, will work with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Port Authority and others, to develop the Poseidon Atlantic project along Virginia’s Eastern Shore in Northampton County. The project could create 20 to 25 jobs in Northampton County over the next two years.

The Netherlands and the United States collaborate on testing and research of wind energy. Under the Think Wind, program at the Dutch Embassy, the Dutch partner with American energy experts and companies to foster dialogue on wind energy.

The Dutch are noted experts in the field of offshore wind energy, with Dutch offshore wind farms reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300,000 tons. The Netherlands has long recognized the potential of wind energy and is home to two large wind parks off the Dutch coast that produce enough energy to power 225,000 households.

“The Netherlands Embassy congratulates the Commonwealth of Virginia on taking this important step in green energy. The Poseidon Atlantic project perfectly illustrates the shared commitment between the Netherlands and Virginia to harness the power of wind energy. The potential long-term job creation from this initiative will build on the nearly 19,000 Virginia jobs already supported by our economic ties with Virginia," said Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos.

The Poseidon Atlantic project is a private sector initiative developed with the support of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Port Authority and the Dutch government.

###

For more than 400 years, the Netherlands and the United States have been joined by the values of freedom, justice and an entrepreneurial spirit. A vibrant economic force, the Netherlands is also the third largest investor in America and a reliable trade and investment partner to the U.S. The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dutch Consulates General and Honorary Consuls in the U.S. promote strong bilateral relations between the United States and the Netherlands in the areas of peace and stability; international law; energy and climate; water management; international human rights; and creative industries. The Netherlands and the United States:Two countries, one spirit united by values, history and a vision of the future.

More information: Key Topics - The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC

Contact:

Floris van Hövell or Carla Bundy
Public Diplomacy, Press and Culture
202-274-2630 or (c) 202-413-5020
floris-van.hovell@minbuza.nl /
202-274-2632 or (c) 202-413-9786
cy.bundy@minbuza.nl
Skype Account: PressOfficerDutchEmbassyDC