ABB has won an order worth over USD 20 million from MHI Vestas to supply its WindSTAR power transformers for the 9.5MW turbines due to be installed at the Borssele III & IV offshore wind farm.
According to ABB, the WindSTAR transformers enable a new generation of powerful offshore wind turbines to operate at 66kV, which significantly reduces losses, increases efficiency and brings lifecycle benefits and cost optimization.
As the size of offshore turbines increases, transformers must remain compact and lightweight with a minimal footprint, while also meeting specific application needs, mechanical structural constraints and costs, the Switzerland-headquartered company said.
“These innovative transformers facilitate the integration of offshore wind energy bringing clean power to consumers and reinforcing our position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid,” said Markus Heimbach , Managing Director of ABB’s Transformer business unit.
Borssele III & IV will comprise 77 MHI Vestas V164 9.5MW turbines located some 22km offshore Zeeland in the Netherlands.
The 731.5MW offshore wind farm is being developed by the Blauwwind consortium, which achieved financial close for the project earlier this summer.
Offshore construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of next year, with commissioning scheduled for early 2021.