TenneT Opts for Nokia Optical Network Tech for Eight 2 GW Dutch Offshore Platforms

TenneT has contracted Nokia to provide optical networking technology for eight new 2 GW offshore converter platforms in the Dutch North Sea that will transmit electricity generated by offshore wind farms to the Netherlands.

The Dutch-German transmission system operator (TSO) will use the communication network to monitor and manage the remote and uncrewed 2 GW offshore platforms from land.

The implementation of Nokia’s optical network technology will begin in early 2025, aligning with the initial construction phases of the 2 GW platforms, the Finland-based global communications technology company said on 14 January. This will allow for early integration and rigorous testing of the communication systems, supporting TenneT’s timeline for full operational readiness of the first 2 GW platform by 2029, Nokia said.

For the new Dutch offshore grid connections, the company will deliver its 1830 PSS DWDM solution with amplification and transponder technologies to support long-distance, single-span unrepeatered transmission of up to 400 kilometres. The solution includes Nokia’s extended reach amplification systems to maintain reliable optical transport, even across the challenging offshore environment, said the company, whose deal with TenneT also includes the design, testing, and operational maintenance of the network.

Marco Kuijpers, Director Large Projects Offshore at TenneT, said: “As we expand our offshore energy infrastructure, connectivity becomes more important than ever. The standardized, mission-critical optical network delivered by Nokia plays a central role in enabling the seamless operation and management of our 2GW platforms, allowing us to operate remotely. With partnerships like this, Nokia is helping us towards a more independent energy supply and to advance towards the global goals for tripled renewable energy deployment set during the COP28 climate talks.”

The eight 2 GW offshore platforms in the Netherlands that will be fitted with Nokia communication systems are IJmuiden Ver Alpha, IJmuiden Ver Beta, IJmuiden Ver Gamma, Nederwiek 1, Nederwiek 2, Nederwiek 3, and Doordewind 1 and Doordewind 2.

TenneT awarded contracts for the offshore platforms and their associated onshore substations to three consortia in March 2023: Petrofac-Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova-Seatrium, and GE Vernova-McDermott.

The cable connections from the platforms to the substations on land were also procured in 2023.

Prysmian is responsible for the connections of the IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1 sites, whose onshore landing point is at Sloegebied in Zeeland. NKT will supply and install the cables running from the IJmuiden Ver Beta, IJmuiden Ver Gamma and Nederwiek 2 offshore areas to the onshore grid at Maasvlakte in Port of Rotterdam, as well as the connections for Nederwiek 3, landing onshore at either Geertruidenberg or Moerdijk, and Doordewind 1 and Doordewind 2, landing at Eemshaven.