Both contracts are subject to Ørsted reaching Final Investment Decision (FID) on Hornsea 3, which is expected within the next 18 months and potentially as soon as the end of 2022.
Hornsea 3 will be located 160 km from the Yorkshire coast and when it comes online, Ørsted’s Hornsea zone – comprising Hornsea 1, 2 and 3 – will have a total capacity of in excess of 5 GW. This will be the world’s largest offshore wind zone, producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power more than 5 million UK homes.
For the project, Hitachi Energy will be providing its HVDC Light® system, which is designed to transmit power more efficiently under water over long distances, having the advantage of uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.
Aibel will work alongside Hitachi Energy to provide the offshore converter platforms located in the North Sea. These platforms will be unmanned, operated from shore and accessed for maintenance by SOV (Service Operations Vessel) or helicopter.
Patrick Harnett, Vice President Programme UK at Ørsted, said: “Hornsea 3 is a game-changing renewable energy project in terms of both size and cost. This is the first time we have used an HVDC transmission system in the Hornsea zone and we are very excited to continue working with our partners in the supply chain to develop this solution further.
“Throughout development of Hornsea 3, we have listened carefully to local feedback around the transmission technology. HVDC technology does not require a booster station onshore or offshore and we anticipate needing a narrower working and land rights strip. We will continue to engage with the local community as we progress towards a Final Investment Decision and the start of construction.
Mr Harnett continued: “We are very proud to be a part of the ongoing offshore wind development in the region and look forward to working with Hitachi Energy and Aibel on this world-leading project.”
