DNV Confirms Technical Feasibility of Odfjell’s WindGrid System

DNV has completed a concept verification review of Odfjell Oceanwind’s WindGrid™ system for Mobile Offshore Wind Units (MOWUs), confirming the technical feasibility of the system.

The certification body’s review also confirms that expected reductions in CO2 emissions for North Sea applications are in the range of 60-70 per cent, compared to generation of electricity from conventional gas turbines.

Odfjell’s WindGrid™ system combines energy storage, grid converters and floating wind turbines and enables gas turbine generators to be shut down during peak wind power production by providing an uninterrupted power supply from Mobile Offshore Wind Units (MOWUs) to micro-grids.

According to Odfjell Oceanwind, MOWUs are ideally suited to provide power to oil and gas installations that require power for a limited period, typically until the production closes on that particular field.

“This feasibility verification report marks an important milestone for Odfjell Oceanwind”, said Per Lund, CEO of Odfjell Oceanwind. “It demonstrates that mobile offshore wind units can offer an attractive alternative for the oil and gas industry as it strives to reduce green-house gas emissions.”

A few days ago, Odfjell Oceanwind signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with Siemens Gamesa and Siemens Energy to collaborate on the development of MOWUs.

The WindGrid™ is intended to utilise Siemens Energy’s BlueVault™ energy storage solution which includes batteries, AC PowerGrids, transformers, switchboards, and power control system, and the semisubmersible MOWUs are intended to use Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD or SG 11.0-200 DD offshore wind turbines, featuring either 14 MW or 11 MW capacities, respectively.

DNV’s review, combined technical units from across the entire Group and included a technical assessment of all components, a HAZID to identify hazards that could prevent successful implementation, and a verification of the estimated wind power production with corresponding fuel savings and CO2 emission reductions for the oil and gas installation connected to the integrated MOWU and WindGrid™ system.

“The flexibility of the MOWUs, combined with emission cuts exceeding the industry’s 2030 ambitions, means that the industry can deliver on the green shift faster and more cost effectively than any other alternative that exists today, including power from shore”, Per Lund said.