DNV GL issues the world’s first grid readiness statement to TenneT’s Borssele Alpha offshore grid connection system

Borssele Alpha, TenneT’s first and largest connection system for offshore wind farms on the Dutch North Sea is ready for operation after high voltage grid readiness verification by DNV GL.

ARNHEM, Netherlands, 7 October 2019 – DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, has awarded TenneT with a grid readiness verification statement for its Borssele Alpha offshore grid connection system. This is the first offshore grid connection system in the world to receive a grid readiness verification statement, enabling TenneT to demonstrate its readiness to connect the Borssele wind farms I and II. 

With the grid readiness of the Borssele Alpha grid connection system, the Borssele I and II wind farms can be connected to the Dutch electricity Grid. The wind farms, which will be commissioned in 2020, will have a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW) and can generate electricity for approximately one million households. The power will be connected through TenneT’s offshore connection Borssele Alpha to the onshore high voltage substation for further transport in the Dutch high-voltage grid.

The verification by DNV GL was the final step for TenneT to show that the offshore grid connection complies fully with the conditions set out in the Dutch government’s Offshore Wind Energy Development Framework. To realize 3,500 MW of additional offshore wind energy in 2023, the Dutch government developed a planned approach for the development of a North Sea electricity grid. TenneT has officially been appointed as offshore grid operator in the Netherlands and will develop 3,500 MW of offshore-connections until 2023; all with a standardised concept of 700 MW per connection. 

High voltage grid readiness verification focuses uniquely on the performance of the high voltage system and essential auxiliary systems. DNV GL prepared a grid readiness verification plan, and a team of high voltage experts performed a thorough document review of the offshore substation, export cables, land station and SCADA and communication protocols and witnessed the energization of the complete grid connection system.

Juan van Beek, TenneT overall project manager for Net op Zee Borssele, stated:

"It is a major achievement that this first TenneT offshore grid connection system for wind energy from the Dutch North Sea has been confirmed to be 'Grid ready' and has been realized according to planning and budget."

“Grid connection is one of the most critical aspects of any offshore wind farm project. With platform certification and grid readiness verification we contribute to a safe and structured delivery of critical infrastructure for the energy transition,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President Northern Europe Middle East & Africa, DNV GL - Energy. With these services DNV GL creates confidence among all project stakeholders in terms of reliable quality, stable operation and proper risk management of grid infrastructure.”

About DNV GL

DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification, technical assurance, software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables industries. We also provide certification, supply chain and data management services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our experts are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

DNV GL delivers world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy management. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply.

Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/power-renewables