The seas are set to witness another groundbreaking voyage in the realm of offshore wind energy as the DolWin epsilon High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter platform departs from Seatrium’s yard in Singapore. Crafted through the collaborative efforts of Aibel and Seatrium, as part of the DolWin5 initiative for the esteemed client TenneT, this platform heralds a pivotal moment in the ongoing energy revolution.
Aibel’s President and CEO, Mads Andersen, expresses pride in achieving yet another milestone in the renewable energy sector, noting, “We are proud soon to have another HVDC converter platform under our belt. This is the second for TenneT after delivering DolWin beta, our very first offshore wind platform, back in 2015.” Andersen emphasizes the remarkable progress made within renewables, showcasing the robust positions and shared aspirations of Aibel and Seatrium in driving the green shift.
Navigating to Haugesund: The Next Chapter
The DolWin epsilon platform is now en route to Aibel’s yard in Haugesund, with an anticipated arrival in the second half of December. This marks the commencement of the final phase, where Aibel and Hitachi Energy will meticulously install the remaining technical components, including the HVDC converter and transformers, in preparation for commissioning.
Aibel’s project director, Merete Lia Rønningen, highlights the tight schedule ahead but expresses confidence in the adeptness of the team. “We have a tight schedule to get things done, but we are well-prepared. It is an experienced team in Haugesund, and recently we’ve performed similar operations with Hitachi Energy with great success for the Dogger Bank offshore wind platforms.”
A Pioneering Presence in Haugesund
Once in Haugesund, the DolWin epsilon platform will stand as a prominent landmark along the quayside, adjacent to the Dogger Bank B offshore wind platform. Notably, this is the first instance where Aibel will simultaneously host two wind platforms at its yard, underscoring the company’s expanding footprint in the offshore wind energy landscape.
The DolWin epsilon platform is slated to depart the yard in Haugesund in the coming summer, embarking on its final journey to join the DolWin cluster in the German North Sea. With an impressive transmission capacity of 900 megawatts, equivalent to powering 1.1 million households with clean wind energy, this platform symbolizes a tangible stride towards a sustainable and greener future.
In essence, as the DolWin epsilon navigates the seas, it not only signifies technological prowess but also embodies the collaborative spirit fueling the renewable energy sector’s trajectory towards a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.