DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has concluded Phase 1 of its joint industry project (JIP) aimed at establishing offshore substation standards for the floating wind sector. The collaborative industry effort has brought together 38 participating companies (including transmission operators, developers, component suppliers, engineering, procurement, construction and installation contractors, and yards) to tackle the challenges associated with floating offshore substations.
With a focus on closing gaps in existing technology and standards applicable to floating substations, the JIP will help the wind industry meet its potential and contribute to the evolution of the global energy system.
The JIP’s Phase 1 outcomes include affirming the feasibility of floating offshore substations (FOSS) and export cables, identifying technology gaps requiring attention, and highlighting the maturity of AC solutions compared to DC. The project also carried out a feasibility analysis for generic floater types and dynamic export cable concepts. Emphasizing a robust design process for integrated floating substations, DNV plans to incorporate the JIP’s findings in the next update of DNV-ST-0145 for floating substations and of DNV-ST-0359 for dynamic cables, both scheduled for 2024.
“Standards are important in emerging industries as they encourage innovation and competition while ensuring safety and reliability,” said Claus Christensen, Ørsted senior chief specialist. “It has been very valuable to work alongside 38 leading companies covering all scopes and disciplines in this project, and we look forward to floating substations being integrated to DNV-ST-0145. As the industry gains real project experience from designing and building floating substations, lessons learned need to be incorporated into the standard.”
“DNV, in collaboration with industry partners, had previously developed the widely used standard DNV-ST-0145 for offshore substations, primarily focusing on bottom-fixed installations,” said Kim Sandgaard-Mørk, executive vice president, Renewables Certification, Energy Systems at DNV. “During the past 10 years, this standard had played a crucial role, serving as a foundation for certifying electrical offshore substations. Through our predictive ETO research models, we recognized the growing trend toward floating wind. DNV initiated this joint industry project to develop standards specifically applicable to floating substations.”
“The JIP contributed to a joint understanding of the challenges in floating offshore substations, which are key components for the evolving renewable energy landscape,” said Kristin Berg, senior principal consultant, energy systems at DNV. “Our call for partners garnered significant interest, meeting the objective of establishing a joint understanding of best industry practice and technical requirements. Collaboration among industry experts is always instrumental in technology and standards development, and this will ultimately be beneficial for the whole renewables sector, as we facilitate the scaling of floating offshore wind projects.”
DNV is now initiating Phase 2 of this JIP, where Phase 1 participants and new participants will be invited to join. Phase 2 will build on Phase 1 deliverables and input received from the contributors.
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