TenneT announced on Wednesday that preparations are underway to install the DolWin Epsilon offshore converter platform in the North Sea, marking a key step in the commissioning of the DolWin5 offshore grid connection.
Following a three-year construction period at the Seatrium shipyard in Singapore, the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) platform completed a 60-day, 13,000-nautical mile journey to Norway, where it underwent final outfitting at the Aibel shipyard over the past 18 months.
The platform is designed to convert alternating current (AC) electricity generated by offshore wind turbines into direct current (DC) for efficient transmission via submarine cables to the German mainland. Once onshore, the electricity will be integrated into the existing transmission network and supplied to consumers.
“Preparations are now underway to transport the platform and install it in the North Sea,” TenneT said in a statement. “There, it will convert the green electricity from an offshore wind farm as part of the DolWin5 offshore grid connection.”
DolWin Epsilon is part of TenneT’s broader effort to expand offshore grid infrastructure and support the energy transition in Europe. The project is intended to improve grid stability and enable the delivery of renewable energy from offshore wind to land-based power systems.
The DolWin5 connection will contribute to Germany’s offshore wind targets and is one of several offshore grid connections being developed by TenneT in the North Sea.
