Study: Multitasking Interconnectors Increase Utilisation while Reducing Costs

The WindConnector concept -an offshore grid infrastructure solution that can transmit electricity generated by offshore wind farms and interconnect the Dutch and the UK electricity markets – holds the potential to lower the cost of energy for consumers by reducing need for, and making more efficient use of, offshore grid infrastructure, according to a study carried out by Pöyry.

The study, commissioned by TenneT and The Crown Estate, identifies potential capital savings of up to USD 1.8bn and increased asset utilisation from 45-50 percent up to 80 percent. The modelling undertaken by Pöyry suggests the value of market-to-market flows enabled more than offsets the investment required to install the additional infrastructure required to link the markets.

Regulatory Restrictions

Current regulatory frameworks, however, present restrictions on multi-use of offshore transmission assets, the study suggests. In order to realise the maximum potential benefits, amendments to the regulatory frameworks would be needed.

The option of allowing offshore wind transmission assets to participate in market-to-market activity through national arrangements could provide an opportunity for incremental advancement of the WindConnector concept, without the need for pan-European reforms required for full hub concepts.

The study results suggest there is a sound basis for more detailed analysis and assessment, coupled with the wider interaction that will be necessary to advance this concept including with the offshore wind sector, government departments and regulators.

In support of this study, TenneT CEO Mel Kroon, said: “The study clearly shows that combining infrastructure for offshore wind energy with an interconnector greatly increases the utilization rate, and with that reduce the cost of energy for consumers. We can now also examine in concrete terms to what extent a WindConnector system could also be used for future developments of offshore wind energy between the Netherlands and Great Britain.”

What Is a WindConnector?

A WindConnector is a hybrid form of interconnector that, like a conventional interconnector, allows for cross-border flows of energy. However, unlike a conventional interconnector, the cross-border flow functionality is provided in combination with infrastructure that also provides for connection of offshore wind farms to onshore systems.

One example of a WindConnector system would see multiple offshore wind farms connected to a central hub, which may be situated on an (artificial) island. The island hub accommodates converters that convert the alternating current produced by wind farms into direct current. Via the WindConnector, the power is then transmitted from the hub to the Netherlands or Great Britain. There, the direct current is converted back to alternating current for transmission and use in the onshore grid.

When no transmission capacity is needed for wind power, this WindConnector system will function as a ‘normal’ interconnector for trade in electricity between the Dutch and GB markets.