Drydocks World to construct 2GW offshore grid connection in German Baltic Sea
Dubai-based Drydocks World, in collaboration with GE Vernova, has secured a significant contract to develop the Ostwind 4 project. This initiative aims to establish a 2GW offshore wind grid connection that will provide clean energy to nearly 2 million households in Germany. The contract was awarded by 50Hertz, the transmission system operator for eastern Germany. This project represents a major step forward in Germany’s renewable energy efforts, particularly in harnessing the power of offshore wind.
Connecting Wind Farms to the National Grid
The Ostwind 4 project will connect various wind farms in the Baltic Sea to Germany’s national grid using high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first deployment of a 525-kilovolt HVDC transmission system in the Baltic region. The project is strategically located about 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, which is an ideal site for offshore wind energy generation.
As part of the project, both offshore and onshore converter stations will be constructed. A 110-kilometer DC cable system will link the land-based infrastructure to the offshore wind farms. This extensive network will enable the efficient transfer of electricity generated by the wind farms to the grid, ensuring that the energy produced is utilized effectively. The use of HVDC technology is crucial for this project, as it allows for the long-distance transmission of electricity with minimal losses, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
In managing the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) aspects of the project, Drydocks World will oversee the topsides and jacket structures of the wind energy converter stations. The topside components will be fabricated at Drydocks World’s facility in Dubai, integrating advanced equipment designed and manufactured in Europe. Once completed, these components will be transported to German waters for installation, marking a significant logistical achievement in the project.
Innovative Technology and Future Prospects
GE Vernova plays a crucial role in supplying the HVDC technology for the Ostwind 4 project. This includes voltage-sourced converters, transformers, and SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear. Additionally, GE Vernova will handle civil works for the onshore converter station and provide grid automation equipment. The integration of such advanced technology is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the energy transmission process.
The design of the offshore converter station features a U-shaped jacket substructure, which is engineered to support offshore wind energy production for decades. This innovative design not only ensures stability but also maximizes the potential for energy generation from wind resources in the Baltic Sea. Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz Transmission, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This is pioneering work. We want to ensure that the entirety of the technically and economically viable offshore wind energy potential in the Baltic Sea is exploited.”
To fully realize the potential of offshore wind energy, it is essential to create legal and regulatory conditions that facilitate the connection of wind farms in neighboring EU states to the German transmission grid. The Ostwind 4 project is a significant step toward achieving this goal, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in Germany and beyond.
