Roxtec plays a key role in the energy transition

As experienced penetration seal provider, Roxtec is involved in the energy transition and contributes to renewable hybrid projects as well as energy storage and balancing of the transmission and distribution grids. The company has a long story within wind power and is cooperating with all major offshore wind operators. Roxtec provides seals and expertise to wind farms on land and to solar power plants as well, and participates in a variety of development projects within renewable power generation. With an impressive collection of tests, approvals and certificates, Roxtec also supplies seals to nuclear power projects.

Efficient storage and use

Generating power is, however, not enough. There is a need for reliable energy storage that enables a balanced and optimized use of the electricity grids. When you can store energy, you can take care of the complete harvest from your solar plants and wind farms, even when the grid is too full to handle it. Roxtec is working with world leaders in energy storage, but also within green hydrogen. The latter enables efficient use of excessive renewable energy for preparing green hydrogen instead of wasting it.

Ensuring HVDC transmission

There is also a need for increased transmission to accelerate the transition. The UK is a good example with both extension of offshore wind power and transmission through HVDC, high-voltage direct current. Roxtec follows the cable and provides sealing from the submarine to the land-based cable.

“We became aware of drawbacks with traditional methods of sealing cable ducted systems between the shore and the local substation. As we have great relationships with cable manufacturers, project developers and delivery partners, it was a simple decision for them when we were able to bring both standard and bespoke sealing solutions,” says Rob Cullen, Power Sales Manager of Roxtec UK, and continues:

“They can now save significant time since Roxtec installations do not require curing time. Our seals also provide advantages in terms of cable management and retention whilst being vermin-proof. When our customers understood we provide training and technical support, they were very happy. As result of this mix of product and support we have managed to secure two major landfall projects and one underground transmission project in the last eighteen months."

Batteries for charging

Another example within distribution is found in The Netherlands. A growing manufacturer of industrial modular energy storage systems that can be used for every conceivable application such as energy storage, balancing of the electricity grid or fulfill temporary energy requirements, is using Roxtec seals to protect the mobile and stationary battery containers against fire, gas and water. The industrial storage systems are also used in solar plants of all sizes to enable storage of the produced energy until the right time for usage.

In the same region, Roxtec has become the preferred supplier of seals to onshore landing stations for offshore wind power. The cables used for connecting energy from distant turbines to the onshore grid must be protected from environmental threats, electromagnetic interferences and effects of lightning strikes. Therefore, the engineering and construction companies have specified Roxtec seals for shielding, bonding and grounding. One landing station can receive power from several offshore wind farms and can have more than 1,000 openings to seal.

“The thing is to always provide good service,” says Hans Durinck, Manager Outdoor Sales of Roxtec Netherlands. “I often go onsite, and the owners and all the different contractors know that they can call me any time if they have questions regarding our safety solutions. I will not ever try do their job, but I can certainly take away some of their troubles. We know sealing, so we bring peace of mind to them.”