TÜV SÜD PMSS advises U.S. on offshore wind cable spacing

PMSS America, Inc., the US division of global renewable energy consulting firm TÜV SÜD PMSS, supported by submarine cable specialists Red Penguin Associates Ltd. of the U.K., has been selected to provide strategic guidance to the US Department of the Interior and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on cable spacing for U.S. offshore wind projects.

With a number of US offshore wind initiatives already under development and progressing to financial close, North American regulatory authorities require a clear understanding of the regulatory and environmental parameters associated with the installation and use of offshore transmission and collection (inter-array) system cables.  This oversight is critical in order to mitigate any unforeseen future project development delays that subsea-cabling installation may create.

Under the terms of the deal, TÜV SÜD PMSS will draw upon the technical experience of Red Penguin Associates on international interconnector, subsea cabling and transmission projects, working directly with developers and regulators to research and identify best practices for U.S. offshore wind submarine cable spacing guidance.

This thinking will form the basis of a report that the U.S. Department of the Interior will reference to determine and assess the best possible cable spacing for transmission and inter-array connectors - informing and educating the critical investment, insurance and regulatory communities.

 “Subsea cable installation in offshore wind has at times been a lightning rod for spiraling costs and unexpected delays – creating uncertainty for prospective financiers and investors,” said Sebastian Chivers, Senior Vice President, TÜV SÜD PMSS.

“The U.S. offshore wind market must avoid making these expensive mistakes and, as we work directly with U.S. government and regulatory bodies, the effective implementation of a best practice guide will share key lessons and experiences that have proved pivotal to past project success.”

Chris Sturgeon, Managing Director of Red Penguin, added; “Our experience has shown the importance of bringing together, at the earliest opportunity, the various strands of regulation, engineering and environmental management necessary for successful control of inherent risk on submarine cable projects.”

“We look forward to working with our colleagues at TÜV SÜD PMSS and to contributing to this best practice guidance for the U.S. offshore renewable energy programme”.