ABB has won an order to deliver substations and related power infrastructure for the 400MW Rampion Offshore Wind Farm in the UK.
The Swiss power and automation technology provider will be responsible for the power infrastructure for the offshore platform and onshore substation, as well as ensuring integration of the facility with the transmission grid.
ABB will also extend an existing substation, which will receive the renewable power generated at the offshore facility.
Situated off the Sussex coast between Worthing and Brighton, the wind farm construction is expected to be completed in 2018.
The offshore wind facility will feature 116 turbines, and will be able to meet the power requirements of around 300,000 homes in the country, when operational.
The onshore substation to be delivered by ABB will feature high-voltage air-insulated switchgear (AIS), gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), transformers along with substation automation and control and protection systems.
It will also be equipped with four static compensator (STATCOM) units which can ensure grid stability by providing reactive power compensation as soon as voltage fluctuations, due to intermittent nature of wind energy, are detected.
ABB will provide medium-voltage switchgear, power transformers and protection and control systems for the offshore platform.
It will also supply two new switchgear bays and control and protection equipment for the National Grid’s nearby substation at Bolney, which will receive renewable power generated at the offshore facility.
All ABB solutions delivered for the project will in compliance with UK’s power and grid code standards.
ABB Power Systems president Claudio Facchin said: “These substations will help integrate wind energy and facilitate the reliable and efficient transmission of clean power.”
Installed capacity of the offshore wind farm will contribute to the UK’s renewable energy targets for 2020. The country intends to derive 15% of its energy mix from renewable sources within five years and bring down its carbon dioxide emissions.
