The Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the UK, poised to claim the title of the world's largest offshore wind farm upon completion, reached a significant milestone with the installation of its second offshore substation platform.
Italian energy services company Saipem, utilizing its Saipem 7000 vessel, successfully installed the platform approximately 130 kilometers from the shore. Dogger Bank Wind Farm, boasting an overall capacity of 3.6 GW, is being developed in three phases—A, B, and C—by a joint venture comprising SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%), and Vargronn (20%).
The latest platform, situated at Dogger Bank B, is strategically positioned in water depths of around 28 meters and features a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure. Fabricated by Saipem, the platform incorporates a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system by Hitachi Energy, aimed at enhancing power transmission efficiency compared to traditional AC systems.
Mads Andersen, Chief Executive and President of Aibel, remarked, “With this major on-time delivery of Dogger Bank B, we mark another important milestone in Aibel's transition towards a greener industry.”
Highlighting the significance of HVDC technology in the energy transition, Andreas Berthou, Head of HVDC at Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business, emphasized the collaborative efforts and innovative solutions required to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Berthou noted that HVDC serves as “the force multiplier” for the clean energy transition, facilitating more efficient and sustainable power transmission.
The successful installation of the Dogger Bank B platform underscores the progress made in advancing renewable energy infrastructure and underscores the commitment of industry stakeholders to driving the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.
