Nexans to Wire Portuguese Floaters

Nexans will supply pre-terminated and factory-tested turbine cables as well as the full scope of T-connectors terminating the dynamic inter-array cables for the 25MW WindFloat Atlantic floating wind farm.

WindFloat Atlantic will be the world’s first large-scale commercial floating wind project operating at 66 kilovolts (kV).

Nexans has been selected to supply its WINDLINK pre-terminated factory-tested cable system which is said to provide a flexible connection inside the turbine between the transformer and switchgear.

In addition, JDR has selected Nexans to supply the 66kV T-connectors that will provide the connection for the phase cores of the dynamic 66kV floating wind inter-array cables that JDR is supplying.

The wind farm is due online in 2019 and will feature three MHI Vestas V164-8.4 MW turbines installed on ballasted, triangular, semi-submersible foundation some 20 kilometers off the north-west coast of Portugal.

“We are delighted to be involved as a key supplier for the WindFloat Atlantic project that will be a major step in demonstrating the technical and commercial viability of floating offshore wind farms, especially as it also validates the importance of 66 kV technology,” said Johan Burnier, Nexans 66kV Accessories Business Developer.

“Some years ago the Group made a strategic decision to move ahead of the curve in developing our global 66 kV capability. That is now paying off as Nexans has become one of the global leaders in 66 kV turbine cables and connectors.”

The outer-cone T-connectors for the WindFloat Atlantic project are delivered by Nexans Euromold facility in Erembodegem and Nexans Power Accessories Germany GmbH plant in Hof. The WINDLINK HV flexible turbine cables are supplied by Nexans Germany plant in Mönchengladbach. The turbine cables and accessories are assembled and tested by Nexans Power Accessories Germany GmbH plant in Hof.