Subsea substations selected for Mediterranean’s largest floating wind project

Aker Solutions will work in close co-operation with its alliance partner ABB to execute the contract for the 2.8-GW windfarm in the Mediterranean.

The agreement involves the design of eight modules, two for each part of the Med Wind windfarm, to be installed on the seabed of the Strait of Sicily, at a depth of between 520 m and 660 m.

This is the first time Aker Solutions has been engaged for an offshore wind project in the Mediterranean. Studies conducted by the company identified significant capex and opex cost savings with a subsea substation compared with the alternatives.

Aker Solutions said Renexia opted for the innovative subsea modules because of their small footprint, resulting in minimal impact on the marine ecosystem. The module’s components also played an important role in Renexia’s choice, as they do not require any major maintenance work for the 25 years of Med Wind’s concession.

Renexia chief operating officer Paolo Sammartino said, “Aker Solutions’ approach has all the parameters we were looking for, including breakthrough technology and environmental impact reduction.

“We are delighted that the partner we selected will join us on this important and challenging path, which will culminate in the construction of the first large-scale floating offshore windfarm in the Mediterranean.”

Aker Solutions said the commencement of the design phase was made possible by surveys carried out over the past few months on the seabed where Med Wind will be built.

The surveys helped identify the most suitable areas for the subsea plant. The surveys also confirmed the project meets all sustainability criteria and aligns well with the marine environment. No sites of historical or archaeological significance were found near the area where the turbines will be installed.

Med Wind will be developed in several stages and, once fully operational, will be able to produce about 9 TWh per year of clean energy, equal to the energy needs of 3.4M households and equivalent to 3% of Italy’s national energy demand.