JDR: 66 kV Inter-Array Cable Allows OW Industry to Grow

High-voltage inter-array cables such as the new 66 (72.5) kV cable recently introduced by the UK-based JDR Cables in Hartlepool will have a key role in helping the offshore wind industry move towards increased power transmission between high-power large turbines, James Young, JDR’s Chief Technical Officer told Offshore WIND.

JDR introduced the new 66 (72.5) kV inter-array cable and accessories in Hartlepool, which, according to Young, ”received considerable interest over the past few months.”

OW: The new 66 (72.5) kV cable and accessories underwent a series of tests prior to the launch. How did the new product perform?

Young: JDR has pioneered the design of inter-array cables in the offshore energy industry, contributing to cost reduction targets with innovations such as aluminium cores. The game-changing high-voltage cable recently completed its qualification and type testing programme, including terminations and accessories. The full qualification programme included cable development, high-voltage and full-scale wet-age testing, cable splicing, joints and connectors and thermal analysis. The cables have successfully completed full qualification to IEC60840 and Cigre 490 industry standards.

OW: JDR won the last contract to supply cables for an offshore wind farm in September 2015. Has this 11-month dry spell been caused by JDR not being able to compete with other companies who had already had 66 kV cables in their portfolio?

Young: Over the last 11 months, we have supported a number of clients with their front-end engineering design (FEED) studies for future offshore wind farm project developments, at both 33kV and 66kV. There is typically an extended period of time between larger offshore wind farm cable awards due to planning and detailed design stages. We are currently working on several significant tenders to support our clients worldwide.

OW: Has JDR won any further offshore wind related contracts since the Galloper?

Young: JDR has been awarded a number of contracts supporting the FEED stage of offshore wind projects. These technical studies are vital to ensuring project success, delivering insight and expert analysis with cost-effective, practical and executable solutions. We have been awarded these studies because of our advanced cable expertise and knowledge. Our clients understand that they can reduce the risk of costly project over-runs if they perform early FEED analysis studies with experienced partners such as JDR.

OW: How long will it be until the 33 kV cables become obsolete, given the trend for turbine and wind farm developers to seek ways to design and use turbines with ever-increasing power generating capacity?

Young: We anticipate that the demand for 66kV cables will increase over time in line with the number of high-power large turbines being deployed. However, it is likely that 33kV will continue to be used on some projects, such as those closer to shore. With a large amount of existing infrastructure based on 33kV cabling, future wind farm extensions or subsea power tied-back to existing infrastructure may need to use the lower voltage to ensure compatibility. We would anticipate 33kV to be used in other subsea applications such as marine energy similar to the Wavehub project in the UK and also for oil and gas infrastructure, including renewable energy to support offshore oil and gas subsea power needs. So there will still be demand for 33kV cables for some time to come.

OW: USA has started making significant strides towards creating a pipeline of substantial offshore wind projects. How much of an opportunity is this to experienced European players? Do you see a chance there for JDR to offer its services?

Young: The experience of the European offshore wind industry will be extremely beneficial for future US projects. However, not all solutions and technology proven in the European continental shelf will be directly transferrable. For example, electrical grid connections and cables may require different standards for product testing and may include additional requirements. In addition, the offshore environment in the US may necessitate changes to cable design, either for differing seabed conditions or deep water installations, which will require cables specifically designed for dynamic installation.

JDR has extensive deep water oil and gas, which we believe will be transferrable for deep water wind applications in the US. The company’s new 66kV cable technology is ideal for deep water, dynamic systems, especially if the US operators seek to use larger turbines for their offshore wind developments.

OW: How much can the US offshore wind industry benefit from lessons learned by European developers and contractors in the last 25 years?

Young: JDR is already supporting some of its key partners in US offshore wind. Although the US will naturally plan, design and execute wind farm projects in its own way, there is a lot of experience in Europe that can expedite these types of major projects. We will be sharing lessons learned at the forthcoming International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum in Newport, Rhode Island in October 2016.

OW: JDR has recently signed two co-operation agreements, with Atlantis and Bibby Offshore, respectively. Have the collaborations bore fruit thus far?

Young: Our collaboration efforts are enabling faster exchange of knowledge, greater innovation and an accelerated rate of learning for all involved. We see collaboration as a vital element for making the future of offshore wind both technically and commercially viable. Every part of our business, from design and delivery to support services, is dedicated to finding the right solution to our customers’ challenges.

Offshore WIND Staff