RWE installs HVDC infrastructure for Sofia offshore wind project

German energy group RWE AG (ETR:RWE) said today that it has completed the installation of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore converter platform (OCP) for its 1.4-GW Sofia offshore wind project in the UK waters.

The OCP structure, touted as the largest offshore wind converter platform of its type in the world, was constructed over two and a half years. Weighing over 13,000 tonnes, the platform is equivalent in height to an 11-story building.

The installation marked RWE's first offshore deployment of HVDC technology and its completion ensures that the project remains on track for full operation by 2026, a press statement says.

The platform was loaded out from Batam Yard in Indonesia and transported to the North Sea. The installation was carried out by Heerema, using its Sleipnir heavy lift vessel as a subcontractor to the GE Vernova/Seatrium consortium responsible for the OCP.

The GBP-3-billion (USD 3.96bn/EUR 3.56bn) Sofia offshore wind project is located on Dogger Bank, 195 kilometres (121 mi) off the northeast coast of the UK. To be equipped with 100 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, the site is expected to produce enough clean electricity to power about 1.2 million local homes.

Offshore construction works on the site started in September 2023. In May, the project saw its first monopile foundation installed.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.321/EUR 1.188)

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