Pfisterer has been selected to provide connection technology for Equinor's Empire Wind offshore wind project, a 2GW development located off the coast of New York.
The project, aimed at enhancing renewable energy generation in the U.S., will feature 15MW turbines, each connected using Pfisterer's wire accessories.
The connection system, based on a plug-and-play approach, allows the entire array cable infrastructure to be tested before hardware installation, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
This system is designed to facilitate faster project execution by simplifying the connection process.
“Our turbine towers are transported to the installation site in the wind farm in segments,” said Vestas project manager Stephan Kremers. He highlighted the importance of minimizing offshore installation time, adding, “Pfisterer has developed a tailor-made junction box for Vestas. This allows the pre-assembled cables in the tower segments to be connected to each other quickly and easily by plugging them together, a bit like plugging in an extension cable at home, just on a larger scale.”
The pre-assembled wires with connectors enable a swift electrical connection between the switchgear and the submarine cable at the base of the turbine, ensuring seamless integration.
These components are being produced at Pfisterer's newly established plant in Rochester, New York, as part of the company's contribution to the growing offshore wind industry in the region.