GE and transmission system operator TenneT have installed the DolWin gamma offshore converter platform in the south-western region of the North Sea, around 80km from land.
TenneT selected GE as the main contractor of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project, which is the third grid connection of the DolWin windfarm cluster.
DolWin3 will connect two farms, which are expected to supply clean power to more than one million German households. A HVDC transmission system line will connect the offshore converter platform with the corresponding onshore converter station in Dörpen West.
The offshore grid connection project will use direct current technology with voltage source converters (VSC) (±320kV, 900MW) to deliver generation to the German grid.
GE Power grid solutions HVDC and FACTS general manager Patrick Plas said: “The installation of the platform DolWin gamma is an important milestone for us. DolWin3 is GE’s first offshore HVDC project.
"The technology represents a crucial turning point for offshore wind and renewables, and how we are able to move that energy efficiently from where it is being generated to the customer, with significantly lower losses over long distances.
“This project is a vital contribution to Germany’s energy transition, which aims to increase renewable energy production.
“HVDC technology plays a major role in supporting the long-term growth of the renewable energy industry throughout the world.”
The DolWin1, DolWin2, and DolWin3 projects are a part of Germany's long-term power strategy Energiewende. This strategy seeks to increase the share of renewables and phase out nuclear power.
Image: DolWin Gamma in final position in south-western German North Sea. Photo: courtesy of TenneT and GE.
