RWE and Smart Wires, a grid enhancing technologies and services provider, are cooperating on use of new cable circuits for offshore wind generation connections.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the companies relates to the use of advanced power flow control technology, SmartValve, on long HVAC or HVDC cable circuits to support offshore generation connections.
The investigation will focus on acceleration and minimisation of the need for additional onshore and offshore grid infrastructure.
Renewable energy generation projects often need significant grid upgrades or new infrastructure before they can be connected, in order to reliably transport the electricity from the generation site to demand centres.
Such grid projects involve high capital costs, take many years to permit and build, and have a high risk of significant delays and cost overruns.
These challenges are further heightened for offshore generation connections that must be seamlessly integrated with the onshore meshed transmission network and often require new offshore grid to be built.
Under the MoU RWE and Smart Wires will explore the potential use of SmartValve within RWE’s offshore wind development projects.
This will enable the companies to work together to investigate the capabilities of advanced power flow control technology to support integration of offshore wind generation using either AC or DC technology.
Dirk Doring, Chief Engineer Electrical Control & Instrumentation at RWE Offshore Wind, said: “RWE is engaged in the development, design and construction of large and complex offshore wind farms and transmission infrastructure and the use of innovative technologies, such as advanced power flow control, has the potential to offer significant benefits.
“Therefore, we are happy to join with Smart Wires to explore the use of their SmartValve technology in real life development applications.”