JDR 66 kV Cables for European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre

JDR has been awarded a contract by offshore cable installation specialist VBMS, part of Boskalis, to supply 66 kV inter-array and export cables for Vattenfall’s European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

Located in Aberdeen Bay, the 92.4 MW, 11-turbine development is Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility. JDR will supply more than 20 kilometres of inter-array and export cables, including the first deployment of its 66 kV technology, as well as associated accessories.

The wind farm will be a centre for developing next generation offshore technologies to boost the industry’s drive towards competitive, clean power. First power generation is planned for 2018 with the scheme operating for 20 years.

“This contract demonstrates JDR’s leadership in offshore technology development. Our pioneering inter-array cable designs are contributing to cost reduction targets for European offshore wind. As the industry demands greater power requirements, 66 kV technology will enable our customers to transmit more power than ever before,” says JDR CTO, James Young.

Adam Ezzamel, project director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “We are pleased that one of the UK’s leading wind energy players has been awarded the cabling work and that the EOWDC will be at the centre of another industry first.

“The scheme will also feature the world’s most powerful turbines, which are being supplied by MHI Vestas and through being paired with game-changing suction bucket foundations, represent a pioneering industry approach. We look forward to building on the EOWDC’s track record of testing the next generation of innovative technologies designed to make offshore wind even more affordable.”

JDR’s 66 kV cable and accessories were fully qualified and type tested in early 2016. The qualification programme included cable development, high-voltage and full-scale wet-age testing, cable splicing, joints and connectors.

JDR’s 66 kV cable development was originally supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (previously known as the Department of Energy and Climate Change) and more recently by the Carbon Trust Offshore Wind Accelerator.