JDR Inks EOWDC Cable Deal

VBMS, part of Boskalis, has awarded JDR with a contract for the supply of 66kV inter-array and export cables for Vattenfall’s European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

JDR will supply more than 20 kilometres of inter-array and export cables, including the first deployment of its 66kV technology, as well as associated accessories.

“This contract demonstrates JDR’s leadership in offshore technology development. Our pioneering inter-array cable designs are contributing to cost reduction targets for European offshore wind. As the industry demands greater power requirements, 66kV technology will enable our customers to transmit more power than ever before,” says JDR CTO, James Young.

JDR’s 66kV cable and accessories were fully qualified and type tested in early 2016. The qualification programme included cable development, high-voltage and full-scale wet-age testing, cable splicing, joints and connectors.

Located in Aberdeen Bay, the 92.4MW, 11-turbine development is Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility. The wind farm will be a centre for developing next generation offshore technologies. First power generation is planned for 2018 with the scheme operating for 20 years.

Adam Ezzamel, project director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “The scheme will also feature the world’s most powerful turbines, which are being supplied by MHI Vestas and through being paired with game-changing suction bucket foundations, represent a pioneering industry approach. We look forward to building on the EOWDC’s track record of testing the next generation of innovative technologies designed to make offshore wind even more affordable.”