In the Esbjerg Declaration of the North Sea Energy Summit back in May 2022, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium agreed to jointly install at least 65 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Transmission System Operator (TSO) TenneT will account for nearly two-thirds of this, 40 GW of which – 20 GW each in the German and Dutch North Sea. And recent geopolitical developments underscore the need to invest in power transmission to ensure energy security through an accelerated energy transition.
TenneT’s innovative 2GW program is crucial in managing the offshore energy transition and will help Europe become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. This new standard combines TenneT’s extensive expertise in offshore grid connectivity with a unique cross-country approach. Its strong focus on harmonization and standardization provides a blueprint for the future of offshore grid connection systems and enables faster deployment.
The world’s first 525 kV XLPE high-voltage DC offshore cable connection system was awarded to five 2 GW projects in the Netherlands and is the next step in realizing the new 2 GW standard.
In the coming months, TenneT expects to announce partners for framework agreements for 2 GW HVDC suppliers for 2 GW projects in the Netherlands and Germany, as well as for framework agreements for cable connections for other 2 GW projects.
TENNET Selects NKT and Prysmian to Build The World’s Largest Offshore Cable System
Leading The Way In Offshore Grid Development
Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of TenneT, said: “Recent geopolitical developments have re-emphasized the need to invest in transmission to ensure energy security through an accelerated energy transition.
We are proud that we have developed this new offshore grid solution together with the market.
Our qualification program demonstrates that cable providers are on track for this new offshore connectivity standard.
By realizing the world’s first 525 kV XLPE HVDC cable system connecting a 2 GW project, TenneT reaffirms its leading position in the development of the offshore grid. And it promises to achieve the common goal of developing the North Sea as a green power plant in Europe.”
Alexander Kara, President and CEO of NKT, said, “I am very pleased with this award, which confirms our strong position in the high-voltage power cable market and our long-term partnership with TenneT.
I am delighted that our leading turnkey project in 525 kV XLPE HVDC technology has made NKT the first power cable manufacturer to apply this technology to a submarine cable.
We welcome TenneT’s increased focus on sustainability factors by introducing environmental cost metrics into the project to reduce the carbon footprint of the power cable system.”
Hakan Ozmen, Executive Vice President of Prysmian Group Projects, said.” We are proud to be part of this strategic project, which confirms Prysmian as a reliable partner to support the Dutch ‘Routekaart 2030′ plan to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the Netherlands’ carbon neutrality targets.
The implementation of our innovative 525 kV HVDC technology in subsea cable systems underlines our ongoing commitment to the energy transition, enabling our customers to further reduce the cost of offshore wind power and minimize its environmental impact”.
Cable Suppliers Face The Challenge Of High Standards Of Sustainability And Safety
NKT will realize the cable connection of IJmuiden Ver Beta, IJmuiden Ver Gamma, and Nederwiek 2, landing onshore at Maasvlakte (Port of Rotterdam).
Prysmian was awarded the contract for the cable connection of IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1 for the land landing in Sloegebied (Zeeland). The scope of work of the contract includes design, engineering, production, delivery, project management, offshore, nearshore, and offshore installation of the 525 kV HVDC cable and connection works for all subsea and onshore sections.
The selected parties are expected to commence activities this year. Onshore cable laying activities begin in 2025; offshore cable laying activities are expected to begin in 2026.
All projects are expected to be operational between 2028 and 2030. TenneT has challenged all parties in the market with high sustainability and safety standards in this tender.
Suppliers are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact through significant reductions in CO2 and NOx emissions. To reduce their carbon footprint, suppliers will use recycled copper.
Challenging suppliers in terms of safe design and safety culture contributes to TenneT’s goal of eliminating safety incidents. To meet these standards, cable suppliers will invest in new production capacity, vessels, and trenching tools when needed.
TENNET’s Innovative Collaboration With Market Parties
A 2 GW direct current (HVDC) solution based on 525 kV requires only one cable system, limiting the impact on the environment and surroundings. A cable system will consist of four cables, a “positive” and “negative” pole cable, a metal return cable, and a fiber optic cable.
As cooperation is essential in the energy transition, TenneT, together with market parties, has started to develop a research and development (R&D) program for a 2GW, 525 kV XLPE high-voltage DC grid connection system for 2020.
To transport the required 2GW of power, an offshore cable system using 525kV HVDC voltage levels of extruded insulation type was required.
Through a design and layout study of the offshore platform, a common platform was designed to enable interoperability of proprietary solutions offered by all HVDC suppliers involved in the R&D phase.
TenneT has had in-depth interaction with the participating market parties to gain insight into the features and performance required for innovative HVDC systems and to certify cable suppliers in 2022.
—ZMS Cable News