Norfolk offshore wind zone: Vattenfall announces Siemens Energy-Aker Solutions consortium as preferred bidder for grid connection infrastructure

Consisting of the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farms, the total of 3.6GW installed capacity will be the one of the largest offshore zones in the world when it is completed. 

The grid connection infrastructure will use High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. HVDC is the most efficient way of transporting large volumes of electricity over long distances to join onshore networks. 

Bidders were evaluated on criteria including experience, health and safety, environmental sustainability and quality management. The announcement also provides certainty for local supply chains to begin engaging to discuss sub-contracting opportunities. 

Aker Solutions has an existing operations base in Great Yarmouth, and offices in Reading, and Aberdeen. Siemens Energy Limited has offices in Manchester and an operations centre in Newcastle. 

Catrin Jung, Head of Business Unit Offshore at Vattenfall, said: 

“We’re extremely confident both in our choice of preferred bidder and in our decision to use innovative HVDC technology. 

“Siemens Energy-Aker Solutions excelled during the feasibility and concept stage, bringing strong technical capabilities to the process.” 

Rob Anderson, Vattenfall Project Director for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas said: 

“Vattenfall’s Norfolk developments will use cutting-edge technology. These types of projects are always a partnership, and we’re very happy with the expertise which will oversee the HVDC converter infrastructure. 

“In addition, this appointment will give the local supply chain the opportunity to begin engaging to explore the huge opportunities on offer at what will be one of the largest offshore zones in the world.” 

Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy, said:  

“We are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder for this project, which will be vital to achieving net zero in the UK. We hope to be successful at the end as we have a consistent track record globally of successfully delivering innovative HVDC projects with our proven technology, as well as to a high environmental and safety standard.” 

Kjetel Digre, CEO of Aker Solutions, said: 

“We are proud that Vattenfall, as a leading renewable energy company, has selected our consortium as the preferred contractor for this development. This illustrates that we have a competitive offer as the basis for Aker Solutions’ strategy to enable our customers to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.” 

About Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas  

*Source: https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained