For the first time an HVDC (high voltage direct current) connection will be used to link an offshore wind farm to the onshore network.

ABB will use the technology to connect offshore wind farms in the Dogger Bank region of the North Sea owned by SSE Renewables   and Equinor.

The company says the technology – now commonly used in interconnectors – will offer a more compact station design and low energy losses. ABB will supply the HVDC Light® converter systems, while Aibel will deliver two HVDC offshore converter platforms. In 2016, ABB and Aibel announced a partnership on the design, engineering and optimization of offshore wind connections.

Halfdan Brustad, vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor, said HVDC was, “a competitive solution for offshore wind at a long distance from shore. This will be the first offshore HVDC solution in the UK which opens up new markets and opportunities. The appointment of Aibel and ABB demonstrates cross industry collaboration bringing best expertise into a successful Dogger Bank delivery.”

The Dogger Bank development consists of three wind farm projects – Creyke Beck A and B, and Teesside A. ABB has been awarded contracts for Creyke Beck A and Creyke Beck B.