Saipem has successfully installed the second unmanned high voltage direct current (HVDC) platform at the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone in the project's development.
The platform, supplied by Aibel, is the second of three platforms 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. Located 130km from the UK coastline at Dogger Bank B, the platform was installed by Saipem using the Saipem 7000 vessel and features a Hitachi Energy HVDC system designed 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, converting it to DC for transmission to an onshore converter station located near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.
Aibel's chief executive and president, Mads Andersen, highlighted the company's commitment to the industry's transition towards a greener future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving such milestones.
Hitachi Energy's head of HVDC, Andreas Berthou, underscored the significance of the project in securing the UK's future energy needs, praising the collaboration of partners SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn in making the UK a leader in the transition to clean power.
The platform, measuring 75 metres long x 45 metres wide x 39 metres high, utilizes a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure designed and fabricated by Saipem in water depths of around 28 metres.
Gianalberto Secchi, chief executive of Saipem's offshore wind business line, expressed pride in contributing to the Dogger Bank project, highlighting Saipem's leadership in the offshore industry and expertise in supporting clients in the development of offshore wind farms as a key resource for the energy transition worldwide.
