Offshore Wind Transmission Infrastructure

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Offshore wind transmission infrastructure encompasses the technologies and systems used to transmit electricity generated by offshore wind farms to onshore power grids. This infrastructure plays a crucial role in enabling the efficient and reliable delivery of clean energy from offshore wind resources to consumers.

Impact on climate action

Offshore Wind Transmission Infrastructure in Wind Power elevates climate action by efficiently transporting renewable energy from offshore wind farms to onshore grids. By reducing energy loss during transmission, this innovation enhances the viability of offshore wind energy, accelerates renewable energy adoption, and mitigates carbon emissions, combating climate change.

Underlying
Technology

  • Submarine Cables: High-voltage submarine cables are used to transmit electricity from offshore wind farms to onshore substations. These cables are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and carry large amounts of power over long distances.
  • Offshore Substations: Offshore substations collect the electricity generated by the wind turbines and convert it to a higher voltage for efficient transmission to shore.
  • Onshore Grid Connection: Onshore substations connect the offshore transmission system to the main power grid, distributing the electricity to consumers.
  • HVDC Transmission: High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems are often used for long-distance offshore wind transmission due to their higher efficiency and lower losses compared to alternating current (AC) transmission.
  • Grid Integration and Control: Offshore wind transmission infrastructure needs to be seamlessly integrated with the onshore grid to ensure grid stability and reliability. This involves advanced control systems and power electronics.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • High-Capacity Submarine Cables: Innovations in cable design and materials are increasing the capacity and efficiency of submarine cables, allowing for the transmission of more power over longer distances.
  • Compact and Modular Offshore Substations: New designs for offshore substations are making them more compact and modular, reducing their footprint and installation costs.
  • HVDC Converter Stations: Advancements in HVDC converter technology are improving efficiency and reducing the cost of HVDC transmission systems.
  • Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation: This technology helps to maintain grid stability by compensating for reactive power fluctuations caused by offshore wind farms.
  • Offshore Grids: The development of offshore grids, where multiple wind farms are interconnected, can improve transmission efficiency and reduce the number of cable connections to shore.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Advanced Submarine Cable Technologies
  • Modular Offshore Substations
  • Enhanced HVDC Converter Stations
  • Dynamic Grid Integration Solutions
  • Next-Generation Reactive Power Compensation
  • Interconnected Offshore Grids
  • Efficient Offshore Substation Solutions
  • Optimized HVDC Transmission Systems
  • Compact Substation Designs
  • HVDC Converter Station Efficiency Upgrades
  • Real-Time Grid Control Systems
  • Advanced Control Algorithms for Grid Integration

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Nexans:
    • Technology Enhancement: Nexans specializes in providing high-voltage submarine cables and associated transmission infrastructure for offshore wind farms. Their solutions include submarine power cables, inter-array cables, and export cables designed to transmit electricity from offshore wind turbines to onshore grid connections. Nexans’ technologies ensure efficient and reliable transmission of renewable energy from offshore wind farms to the mainland.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Nexans stands out for its extensive experience and expertise in submarine cable manufacturing and installation. Their innovative cable designs, advanced materials, and installation techniques enable cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for offshore wind transmission infrastructure projects.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Nexans serves offshore wind developers, utilities, and transmission system operators involved in the development and operation of offshore wind projects. Their transmission infrastructure solutions are deployed in offshore wind farms worldwide, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the grid and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
  • ABB:
    • Technology Enhancement: ABB is a leading provider of power transmission and distribution solutions, including HVDC (high-voltage direct current) transmission systems for offshore wind power transmission. Their HVDC technology enables efficient and long-distance transmission of electricity from offshore wind farms to onshore substations, minimizing energy losses and maximizing grid reliability. ABB’s solutions also include subsea cables, offshore substations, and grid interconnection systems tailored for offshore wind applications.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: ABB stands out for its expertise in HVDC technology and its track record of successfully delivering complex offshore wind transmission projects worldwide. Their innovative solutions enable efficient grid integration of offshore wind energy, helping to unlock the vast renewable energy potential of offshore wind resources.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: ABB serves offshore wind developers, utilities, and transmission system operators seeking reliable and high-performance transmission solutions for offshore wind projects. Their HVDC transmission systems and associated infrastructure support the development of large-scale offshore wind farms and contribute to the decarbonization of the energy sector.
  • Siemens Energy:
    • Technology Enhancement: Siemens Energy offers a range of solutions for offshore wind transmission infrastructure, including HVDC transmission systems, subsea cables, and grid connection equipment. Their HVDC technology enables efficient and reliable transmission of offshore wind power over long distances, while their subsea cables ensure secure and robust interconnection between offshore wind turbines and onshore substations. Siemens Energy’s solutions are designed to maximize the performance and availability of offshore wind farms.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Siemens Energy stands out for its comprehensive portfolio of offshore wind transmission solutions and its strong track record in delivering large-scale offshore wind projects globally. Their expertise in HVDC technology, grid integration, and project execution ensures the successful deployment of offshore wind transmission infrastructure in challenging marine environments.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Siemens Energy serves offshore wind developers, utilities, and transmission system operators involved in offshore wind projects worldwide. Their transmission infrastructure solutions play a crucial role in enabling the efficient and sustainable integration of offshore wind energy into the grid, supporting the transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Technical University of Denmark (DTU):
    • Research Focus: DTU is a global leader in research on Offshore Wind Transmission Infrastructure, focusing on developing advanced solutions for efficient and reliable transmission of offshore wind energy to onshore grids.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the design, optimization, and modeling of offshore wind farm layouts, subsea cable systems, and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technologies. They also investigate grid integration strategies, system stability, and offshore network planning to maximize the utilization of offshore wind resources and minimize transmission losses.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in offshore wind farm development, grid connection projects, and renewable energy integration. By enhancing the efficiency and reliability of offshore wind transmission infrastructure, DTU’s research supports the growth of the offshore wind industry, contributes to decarbonizing electricity generation, and strengthens energy security in coastal regions.
  • Delft University of Technology (TU Delft):
    • Research Focus: TU Delft conducts innovative research on Offshore Wind Transmission Infrastructure, leveraging its expertise in offshore engineering, electrical power systems, and maritime technology to address key challenges in offshore wind energy transmission.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of novel cable installation techniques, substation designs, and grid connection technologies tailored to the unique environmental conditions and operational requirements of offshore wind farms. They also explore the use of advanced materials, monitoring systems, and maintenance strategies to improve the resilience and longevity of offshore transmission assets.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in offshore wind projects, energy infrastructure development, and marine renewable energy initiatives. By advancing offshore wind transmission infrastructure, TU Delft’s research contributes to increasing the competitiveness, sustainability, and reliability of offshore wind power generation, driving the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is at the forefront of research on Offshore Wind Transmission Infrastructure, leveraging its expertise in power electronics, grid integration, and renewable energy systems to develop innovative solutions for offshore wind energy transmission.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the development of HVDC converter technologies, grid-forming control algorithms, and advanced grid protection systems optimized for offshore wind farms. They also explore multi-terminal HVDC systems, offshore substations, and dynamic line rating techniques to enhance the capacity, flexibility, and resilience of offshore transmission networks.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in offshore wind farm development, interconnection projects, and grid modernization efforts. By advancing offshore wind transmission infrastructure, MIT’s research supports the integration of large-scale renewable energy resources, enhances grid stability, and facilitates the transition to a sustainable and decarbonized energy system.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Offshore wind transmission infrastructure is being implemented in various regions around the world, with Europe leading the way in terms of installed capacity. For example, the BorWin3 project in Germany is a 900 MW HVDC transmission system that connects several offshore wind farms to the onshore grid.



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