Two offshore substations, the first in Polish waters of the Baltic Sea, have been installed at the 1.2 GW Baltic Power offshore wind farm, a project by ORLEN Group and Northland Power.
OSS West and OSS East lie about 20 kilometers from Choczewo, collecting energy from Vestas V236-15.0 MW turbines linked by inter-array cables. The voltage is increased to 230 kV and sent to an onshore substation via offshore and onshore cables.
Each substation contains two power transformers, gas-insulated switchboards at 230 kV and 66 kV, a diesel generator, cranes, and control systems. Auxiliary devices ensure the safe operation of unmanned substations.
The main contractor was a consortium of CS Wind Offshore and Semco Maritime, with participation from Polish firms.
Foundations were made by Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic in Gdynia and Gdańsk shipyards. Each 1,300-tonne substation was transported to Denmark, reaching a weight of 2,500 tonnes after full equipment installation.
Polish company Protea manufactured specialized cranes for the substations. Other wind farm components made in Poland include nacelles, foundation parts, and onshore cables.
The local content ratio in the Baltic Power project is projected to hit at least 21% over its lifecycle.
Following the substation installations, the offshore cables campaign is to commence soon, according to Baltic Power. Over 20 vessels are engaged in simultaneous installation, maintenance, and pre-commissioning tasks. Offshore construction is expected to finish in 2026, followed by testing, certification, and permitting processes.
The Baltic Power wind farm will feature 76 Vestas 15 MW turbines located about 23 kilometers offshore.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz