ScottishPower Renewables has installed its first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore converter station at the 1400MW East Anglia 3 wind farm, off Suffolk, England.
The 10,700-tonne, seven-storey structure was lifted and secured last week by Heerema Marine Contractors’ crane vessel Sleipnir, the developer said.
It added the platform is the largest ever constructed across parent company Iberdrola Group and will convert electricity from alternating to direct current before transmission to shore.
The £4bn East Anglia 3 development is ScottishPower Renewables’ first offshore wind farm to use HVDC technology, enabling more efficient long-distance power transmission.
Fabrication of the module was completed in Mangalia, Romania, before sailing to Aker Solutions’ yard in Stord, Norway, for final assembly.
Siemens Energy supplied the transmission technology.
Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Installing our first ever offshore HVDC converter station is testament to the hard work of our teams and suppliers to deliver such a complex feat of engineering. This is a significant milestone for our East Anglia 3 project as we progress towards completion at the end of 2026.”
Darren Davidson, vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I, said: “This is a fantastic landmark moment. HVDC enables efficient long-distance power transmission with reduced losses, supporting the UK’s grid stability. Together, we’re delivering clean energy from the North Sea to power people’s homes.”
Aker Solutions EVP Sturla Magnus added: “East Anglia 3 marks Aker Solutions’ second HVDC delivery this year and is a clear example of our ability to execute large and complex energy projects.”
Heerema Marine Contractors COO Michel Hendriks said: “Completing this project in the shoulder seasons is a testament to our crew’s dedication and Sleipnir’s incredible capabilities.”
East Anglia 3 is scheduled to enter operation in late 2026.
Source: reNEWS.biz
