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WindConnector LoI signed

By: Matthew White 13/06/2018 TenneT

General Grid Interconnectors Windfarms

The Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Dutch-German network operator TenneT will investigate the technical feasibility, the advantages and the challenges in the area of legislation and regulations of a possible cross-border electricity connection (interconnector).

The connection will be between an offshore station in the designated IJmuiden Ver wind farm area, the Dutch part of the North Sea, and an offshore station of Vattenfall in British waters.

The concept of connecting offshore transport infrastructure for wind energy by means of a cable that also functions as an interconnector is referred to by the partners as 'WindConnector'.

The construction of a high-voltage cable between the two planned offshore stations can contribute to the further integration of the British and Dutch electricity markets, because more electricity can be traded between the two markets thanks to efficient use of the transport infrastructure for wind energy.

By using already planned transport systems for multiple purposes (interconnection and transport of offshore wind power), less investment is needed than for a traditional interconnector between the two countries.

Gunnar Groebler, Senior Vice-President of Wind Energy at Vattenfall: "Vattenfall is a leading player in the sector that is constantly expanding its activities in the field of wind energy. It was therefore a conscious and obvious choice to take the initiative for this research together with TenneT. Major investments are needed to build infrastructure for offshore wind energy.

"With a smart solution such as the WindConnector, we can optimally use our assets for competitive and affordable offshore wind energy. That is good news for the sector, and certainly also for consumers. Thanks to the collaboration with TenneT, the experts within both organizations can carefully assess the feasibility of the WindConnector concept."

Wilfried Breuer, Director TenneT Offshore: "In order to achieve the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement, we need to speed up the development of large wind farms at sea. Scale size and affordability require smart, efficient solutions and close international cooperation.

"This research is carried out jointly by a European energy company and a European grid operator, both of whom have extensive offshore experience, and this will prove very valuable in the further development of offshore wind energy. "

Vattenfall and TenneT have signed a letter of intent that forms the basis for their cooperation in the execution of the WindConnector research. The results are expected to be published in the second half of 2018.

For more information follow the links provided.

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WindConnector LoI signed

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