DNV has successfully concluded Phase 1 of its joint industry project aimed at establishing offshore substation standards for the growing floating wind sector. The collaborative industry effort has brought together 38 participating companies (including transmission operators, developers, component suppliers, engineering, procurement, construction and installation contractors, EPCIs, and yards) to tackle the distinctive challenges associated with floating offshore substations.
Floating offshore wind capacity is projected to exceed 260 GW by 2050, according to DNV's ‘2023 Energy Transition Outlook’ research. Designing and implementing the crucial substations present distinct challenges, including the need for high-voltage dynamic cables and electrical equipment that can withstand the movements of floating structures. With a focus on closing gaps in existing technology and standards applicable to floating substations, the JIP will help the wind industry meet its potential and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the global energy system.
The JIP's Phase 1 primary outcomes include affirming the feasibility of floating offshore substations (FOSS) and export cables, identifying technology gaps requiring attention, and highlighting the maturity of AC solutions compared to DC. The project also carried out a feasibility analysis for generic floater types and dynamic export cable concepts. Emphasising a robust design process for optimised integrated floating substations, DNV plans to incorporate the JIP’s findings in the next update of its publications DNV-ST-0145 for floating substations and DNV-ST-0359 for dynamic cables, both scheduled for 2024.
Kim Sandgaard-Mørk, executive VP, Renewables Certification, Energy Systems at DNV: “DNV, in collaboration with industry partners, had previously developed the widely used standard DNV-ST-0145 for offshore substations, primarily focusing on bottom-fixed installations. During the past ten years, this standard had played a crucial role, serving as a foundation for certifying electrical offshore substations. Through our predictive ETO research models, we recognized the growing trend toward floating wind. DNV initiated this joint industry project to develop standards specifically applicable to floating substations”.
JIP project manager, Kristin Berg, senior principal consultant, Energy Systems at DNV: “Our call for partners garnered significant interest, meeting the objective of establishing a joint understanding of best industry practice and technical requirements. Collaboration among industry experts is always instrumental in technology and standards development, and this will ultimately be beneficial for the whole renewables sector, as we facilitate the scaling of floating offshore wind projects.”
DNV is now initiating Phase 2 of this JIP, where Phase 1 participants, and new participants will be invited to join. Phase 2 will build on Phase 1 deliverables and input received from the contributors.
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