TenneT has opened a 2 GW program tender for the manufacture and installation of a 525 kV DC offshore cable system in the Dutch North Sea.

The 2 GW grid concept will result in fewer platforms and land stations, and a bundled cable design, said TenneT.

“This is not only interesting in financial terms but also ensures that TenneT causes lower emissions and has less spatial and environmental impact,” a source from the company said. 

A first connection is to be operational in 2028 and the projects will be made ready for interconnection to the UK.

The Dutch-German TSO said the standard is essential to meet Dutch and German 2030 offshore targets, which have cumulatively added 20 GW this decade.

“The new transmission standard supports the essential next step towards larger offshore wind farms and a North Sea wide European Hub-and-Spoke system - combining wind power connection, coupling of energy markets through interconnection and smart integration into the main onshore grids,” the source from the company added.

Marco Kuijpers, offshore project director at TenneT, said: “The innovative cooperation between TenneT and the cable suppliers, joint in the ‘prequalification program’ will lead to a new global market standard.”

“This standard is crucial to reach the worldwide climate ambitions and re-confirms TenneT’s position as the frontrunner in offshore grid development.”

The contract is expected to be awarded by the beginning of 2023.

The first 2 GW IJmuiden Ver connection is planned to be operational in 2028.

Source: Renews.biz