Fort Island Pampus - charging station in the middle of the IJmeer

Electric 'refueling' at fossil-free World Heritage Site

It is a special sight for those sailing around Pampus these days. An impressive pontoon with a shiny-new electric crane has been lying in the harbor of the fortress island since April 24. What is that combination doing there? Simple, refueling electricity!

But what exactly is going on here? We're looking at a piece of the future. We look at the Netherlands' first all-electric foundation machine of its kind, coming to refuel hyperlocal energy on Pampus. A vision of the future that is already in full effect on Pampus.

Strong green sample

This first electric foundation machine of its kind in the Netherlands is proudly owned by De Boer & De Groot, the civilian Pampus partner responsible for some of the fossil-free renewals on the island. The company is particularly proud of this purchase, as it is a major step toward its goal of becoming the most sustainable hydraulic contractor in the Northern Netherlands.

The electric crane was the first to be deployed in Overijssel on a project to improve biodiversity and underwater nature. Together with an electric ship, the company completed this job completely emission-free. After a project in Marken, the crane has now arrived for a pit stop on Pampus to feed on green energy.

After the stopover, the crane will continue to Amsterdam. There, the colossus will be used to restore six lock gates of the famous Eenhoornsluis lock (Korte Prinsengracht/ Haarlemmerdijk). Since this lock is located in the city center, the work here will be emission-free. De Boer & De Groot will take the lock gates to their headquarters in Harlingen where they will be completely renovated. 

Pampus, powerhouse for electric navigation

Pampus will be fossil-free starting in 2024. On the island, wind, solar and bio-digestion will generate electricity. A combination of green hydrogen, lithium batteries, thermal storage and heat pumps will provide the storage. With this innovative combination of proven techniques, the island provides its own energy year-round and is an inspiration for decentralized energy supply.

The philosophy behind the system is supply-driven. The supply of energy resources determines the demand. And that has a positive effect for electric pleasure boating. It is certainly not an illusion to imagine that in the near future, on a sunny day, the harbor of Pampus is filled with electric sloops. Skippers on coffee, sloops on green electricity!