The first phase of the JIP explored the feasibility of floating offshore substations, identified technology gaps, and affirmed the maturity of alternating current over direct current solutions.
Offshore staff
HOVIK, Norway — DNV has completed Phase 1 of its joint industry project (JIP) pursuing new offshore substation standards for the floating wind sector.
Thirty-eight companies are participating including transmission operators, developers, component suppliers, EPCI contractors, and yards.
DNV's 2023 Energy Transition Outlook predicts that global floating offshore wind capacity could exceed 260 GW. Offshore substations act as hubs connecting multiple wind turbines and transmitting renewable energy.
Challenges associated with designing and installing substations are said to include the need for high-voltage dynamic cables and electrical equipment to withstand the movements of the floating structures.
The JIP's Phase 1 has confirmed the feasibility of floating offshore substations and export cables, identifying technology gaps and highlighting the maturity of AC solutions compared to DC.
Courtesy DNV
For Phase 2, new participants are called in to join the project, which will contribute to the 2024 update of industry standards for offshore substations and dynamic high-voltage export cables.
In addition, the team performed a feasibility analysis for generic floater types and dynamic export cable concepts. DNV plans to incorporate the JIP’s findings in the next update of DNV-ST-0145 for floating substations and of DNV-ST-0359 for dynamic cables, both scheduled for 2024.
It is now initiating Phase 2, which will build on the Phase 1 deliverables and the input received from the contributors.
