DNV GL has been appointed by National Grid ESO as a lead partner in the Offshore Wind Coordination project in Great Britain.

The project will examine a structured approach to the construction of offshore grids and form the future national strategy of Great Britain’s offshore grid by feeding into the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s Offshore transmission network review, which also includes other parties, such as OFGEM, the UK regulator.

After the implementation of the technology, the UK has emerged as a world leader in offshore wind energy. With a planned offshore wind capacity of over 10 GW, the UK will soon be home to the world’s largest wind farm, Dogger Bank.

Offshore wind remains a vital source of energy for the UK Government and supports the country’s pledge to be net zero by 2050. Delivering a future-proof infrastructure that guarantees that all turbines, substations, and cables are securely and efficiently connected to the grid is of vital importance in achieving that objective.

The project will study and propose ways to enhance connectivity of offshore wind farms to the onshore transmission network. DNV GL was commissioned to evaluate the viability of a structured approach which includes:

• Assess technology availability (HVDC equipment)
• Analyse technical and regulatory barriers and solutions 
• Study implications on power system security and stability
• Develop offshore and onshore grid designs
• Conduct societal Cost-Benefit Analysis of the offshore grid

Combining its extensive expertise in energy markets, power system analysis and transmission & distribution technologies, DNV GL brings together a qualified and variedly experienced team to determine the most advantageous approaches to offshore network growth and the outcomes they produce for energy users (consumers) and coastal communities.

As offshore infrastructure is expected to be shared by multiple projects, a harmonized development approach is projected to result in optimum infrastructure usage, greater integration of offshore wind energy, reduction of carbon emissions and customer bills, and provision of onshore grid operational benefits.

“National Grid ESO Head of Strategy and Regulation, Craig Dyke, said: “This is an important project to be working on with DNV GL, examining different technological and engineering solutions for offshore grid development and relative different costs and benefits. We are committed to helping facilitate offshore wind’s contribution to the UK’s net zero target, as well as ensuring value for money for consumers and reducing the environmental and social impact of onshore connections to local communities.”

Craig Dyke, National Grid ESO head of strategy and regulation.

“We are honoured to lead this project particularly as the UK Government has committed to installing 40 GW of offshore capacity by 2030. This means that offshore transmission and distribution grids need to be capable of supporting the increasing supply of clean electricity from offshore wind projects and help the UK meet its decarbonization plans. The Offshore Coordination Project is a vital venture which will create many lessons learnt and may help to develop an industry standard approach to benefit not just the UK but also other countries.”

Prajeev Rasiah, executive vice president North Europe, Middle East & Africa at DNV GL – Energy.