The installation of over 328km of inter-array cables signifies a milestone for the Dogger Bank A, part of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
- Laid by Deme Offshore’s vessels, these cables connect 95 Haliade-X turbines and a convertor station, forming a pioneering HVDC system.
- This significant engineering feat paves the way for phases B and C, planned to be the world’s largest, upon completion in 2026.
- Despite weather and supply chain challenges, collaborative efforts ensured smooth installation for phase A’s power generation which began in October 2023.
- Manufactured by Hellenic Cables, the 66kv cables are crucial for ensuring efficient power transmission in this landmark project.
With more than 328km of 66kv inter-array cables laid, Dogger Bank A, the initial phase of the largest offshore wind farm globally, progresses towards completion. The cables were meticulously installed by Deme Offshore’s Viking Neptun vessel, with burial tasks handled by the Living Stone vessel. Located 130km off Yorkshire’s coast, the project is spearheaded by SSE Renewables in collaboration with Equinor and Vårgrønn. When fully operational by 2026, Dogger Bank’s triad – A, B, and C – will hold a combined capacity of 3.6GW, surpassing any existing offshore wind farm worldwide.
The recent completion of Dogger Bank A marks the conclusion of inter-array cabling for this phase, which began generating power in October 2023. This process involved laying a network of 95 cables, each up to 13.8km in length, connecting 95 Haliade-X 13MW turbines to an offshore convertor station. It’s here that alternating current is converted to direct current for transmission to the onshore convertor station via an innovative HVDC system.
The Viking Neptun vessel executed the cable-laying with precision, using a carousel and tensioner device to deploy the cable smoothly over the stern chute onto the seabed. The next task focuses on attaching these cables to the offshore platform and to each turbine. Alan Evans, Marine Package Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, stated: “The safe and smooth completion of this phase is a huge credit to the entire team.”
Despite encountering adverse weather conditions and supply chain issues, the engineering teams managed to adhere to safety and technical standards. The cables are contracted to Hellenic Cables, also tasked with manufacturing cables for the subsequent phases, Dogger Bank B and C, with the first installations for Dogger Bank B slated for autumn 2024. According to Deme Offshore project director Geert Linthout, the efforts set “a solid and reliable basis for the upcoming Dogger Bank B and C phases.”
Overall, this project represents a remarkable step forward in offshore wind energy, demonstrating the potential of collaborative engineering efforts.
