The second unmanned high voltage direct current (HVDC) platform has been installed at Dogger Bank offshore wind farm by Saipem.
The substation is the second of three platforms, each supplied by Aibel, to be installed at the site, which is being constructed in three phases known as A, B, and C, each with a capacity of 1.2GW.
The platform was installed 130km from the UK coastline at Dogger Bank B by Saipem using the Saipem 7000 vessel and features a Hitachi Energy HVDC system developed to transmit power more efficiently than traditional AC systems.
The platform will receive 1.2GW of AC power generated by the 95 offshore turbines of Dogger Bank B, before converting it to DC for transmission to an onshore converter station located near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.
The first structure was installed at Dogger Bank A in April 2023, representing the first time this technology has been used in offshore wind in the UK.
All three platforms will be controlled from shore and feature a lean design, which is expected to result in a 70% weight reduction per MW compared to previous platform designs.
Aibel chief executive and president Mads Andersen said: “At Aibel, we recognize that our success is not measured solely by the completion of projects but by the lasting impact we leave on the industry.
“With this major on-time delivery of Dogger Bank B, we mark another important milestone in Aibel’s transition towards a greener industry.
“This achievement exemplifies the power of collaboration and reflects the enduring partnerships we have cultivated with industry leaders SSE Renewables, Equinor, Vårgrønn, and our esteemed partner, Hitachi Energy.”
Head of HVDC at Hitachi Energy’s grid integration business Andreas Berthou said: “The urgent energy transition requires strong collaboration, new business models, and global standards.
“We are proud to be the technology partner for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm project, with HVDC being the force multiplier for the clean energy transition, increasing access to an energy system that is more sustainable, flexible and secure.
“This is another significant milestone in securing the UK’s future energy needs, made possible by foresighted partners such as SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn that have made the UK a leader in the transition to clean power.”
Measuring 75 metres long x 45 metres wide x 39 metres high, the platform utilises a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure designed and fabricated by Saipem in water depths of around 28 metres.
Chief executive of Saipem’s offshore wind business line Gianalberto Secchi added: “We are proud to have contributed to the achievement of this important milestone for the groundbreaking Dogger Bank project, which reaffirms Saipem’s leadership in the offshore industry and our expertise in supporting clients in the development of offshore wind farms as a key resource for the energy transition worldwide.”