Some of the innovative elements introduced on the 28MW Nissum Bredning Vind offshore demonstrator site in Denmark have led to cost reductions of up to 30% compared to traditional elements, Siemens Gamesa said.
The 28MW demo project located in the waters of North-western Denmark is fully operational, producing power for customers Nissum Bredning Vindmøllelaug and Jysk Energi since early 2018.
The wind farm comprises four Siemens Gamesa 7MW wind turbines and features a string of innovative solutions such as gravity jacket foundations, a 66kV transmission system, cable-in-pipe installation, concrete transition pieces, and a slender tower concept.
The cable-in-pipe installation, where standard onshore cables are installed in plastic pipes from the mainland as well as between the turbines, lowers capital expenditures compared to employing offshore cables, according to Siemens Gamesa.
Gravity jacket foundations provide a soil interface at normal water depths which can be made more cost-efficient versus classic jacket foundations. Furthermore, the concrete transition piece can be made at a cost level of up to 30% lower than a steel transition piece. Also, the 66kV transmission system reduces transmission losses, providing the customer with a higher energy output – and thus higher revenue – from each turbine, Siemens Gamesa said.
“Nissum Bredning Vind is a small project capacity-wise, especially when compared to other offshore wind power projects. But it is extremely significant in terms of innovation: we’ve tested and validated several new technologies here, from a 66 kV transmission system to jacket foundations with concrete transition pieces to a cable-in-pipe installation,” said Andreas Nauen , CEO of the Offshore Business Unit at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE).
The turbines and further technological advancements have fulfilled expectations and are now in preparation to become available for commercial deployment, according to Siemens Gamesa.
“These innovations all share the common goal of reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE) from offshore wind. Successfully completing this project proves that they are capable of doing so, including being available for commercial deployment, ” Nauen said.
Photos and video: Siemens Gamesa