This innovative, tailor-made solution combines state-of-the-art technology and the highest possible safety standards. The operational and construction advantages compared with standard solutions, i.e. no need for offshore heavy lifting cranes, are an important differentiating factor as installation bottlenecks are avoided.
“The second contract for this type of offshore substation is important as our customers acknowledge the innovative technology that we have developed with our consortium partners. We expect this floating substation technology to be become a standard in the rapidly developing offshore wind market in the years to come,” said Michel Augonnet, Senior Vice President, Alstom Grid.
Scope of supply includes Alstom Grid power transformers, High and Medium Voltage gas-insulated switchgear, auxiliary power supply, substation automation, protection and control systems for 80 wind turbines. The platform will be equipped with boat landings and a heli-hoist and will be used as a logistics service platform during installation and operation of the offshore wind farm.
This contract is in consortium with the steel manufacturing company WeserWind GmbH Offshore Construction Georgsmarienhütte in Bremerhaven, Germany, who will construct and deliver the hull, the steel structures as well as the major part of the secondary equipment required for operation of the platform, and provide the offshore installation services for the complete substation platform. and provide the offshore installation services for the complete substation platform.
Offshore commissioning is scheduled for June 2012.
* ‘Self-floating’ and ‘self-installing’ are industry terms for our offshore platform technology which is a floating, self-contained
substation. Once positioned, no cranes or lifting devices are required to install or raise the platform above sea-level to its design-specified height.
About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 96,500 people in more than 70 countries, and had sales of over € 23 billion* in 2009/10. (*Pro forma figures)
About Alstom Grid
Alstom Grid, the newest sector of Alstom, formed following the recent acquisition of Areva’s Transmission activities on 7 June 2010, has over 100 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to their customers’ projects. Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with a sales turnover of approximately €3.5 billion in 2009. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. Its four main business areas are Products, Systems, Automation and Service. At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chain—from power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.