Vattenfall has picked the Siemens Energy and Aker Solutions consortium as preferred bidder for grid connection infrastructure for the 3600MW Norfolk offshore wind zone.
The grid connection infrastructure will use high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology.
HVDC is the most efficient way of transporting large volumes of electricity over long distances to join onshore networks.
The Norfolk offshore wind zone consists of the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas offshore wind projects.
Bidders were evaluated on criteria including experience, health and safety, environmental sustainability and quality management.
The announcement also provides certainty for local supply chains to begin engaging to discuss sub-contracting opportunities, Vattenfall said.
Aker Solutions has an existing operations base in Great Yarmouth, and offices in Reading, and Aberdeen, while Siemens Energy Limited has offices in Manchester and an operations centre in Newcastle.
Vattenfall business unit head Catrin Jung (pictured) said:
“We’re extremely confident both in our choice of preferred bidder and in our decision to use innovative HVDC technology.
“Siemens Energy-Aker Solutions excelled during the feasibility and concept stage, bringing strong technical capabilities to the process.”
Siemens Energy executive vice president for transmission Beatrix Natter added: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder for this project, which will be vital to achieving net zero in the UK.
“We hope to be successful at the end as we have a consistent track record globally of successfully delivering innovative HVDC projects with our proven technology, as well as to a high environmental and safety standard.”