DNV GL has been appointed by National Grid ESO as a lead partner in the Offshore Wind Coordination project in Great Britain
The project will analyse a co-ordinated approach for offshore grid development and shape the future national strategy of Great Britain’s offshore grid through feeding into the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s Offshore transmission network review, which also involves other parties, such as the UK regulator OFGEM. The project will review and recommend ways to improve how offshore windfarms are connected to the onshore transmission network.
DNV GL has been commissioned to assess the viability of a co-ordinated approach and assess technology availability (HVDC equipment); analyse technical and regulatory barriers and solutions; study implications on power system security and stability; develop offshore and onshore grid designs; and conduct societal cost-benefit analysis of the offshore grid.
As offshore infrastructure is anticipated to be shared among multiple projects, it is projected that a harmonised development approach will result in optimal utilisation of infrastructure, higher integration of offshore wind energy, reduction of carbon emissions and consumer bills, and provision of operational benefits to the onshore grid.
National Grid ESO head of strategy and regulation Craig Dyke said, “This is an important project to be working on with DNV GL, examining different technological and engineering solutions for offshore grid development and relative costs and benefits.
“We are committed to helping facilitate offshore wind’s contribution to the UK’s net-zero target, as well as ensuring value for money for consumers and reducing the environmental and social impact of onshore connections to local communities.”
DNV GL executive vice president North Europe, Middle East & Africa Prajeev Rasiah said, “The UK Government has committed to installing 40 GW of offshore capacity by 2030. This means that offshore transmission and distribution grids need to be capable of supporting increased supply of clean electricity from offshore wind projects and help the UK meet its decarbonisation plans.
“The Offshore Coordination Project is a vital venture which may help to develop an industry standard approach to benefit not just the UK but also other countries.”
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