NKT finalizes the power cable system for the world’s biggest offshore wind farm

NKT has commissioned the 220 kV HVAC power cable system for the Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm located 89 km off the English east coast. The wind farm holds a central position in the transition to renewable energy in the UK and will power more than 1.3 million households when fully operational.

Patrick Harnett, Ørsted’s Programme Director for Hornsea 2, said: “Once fully operational later this year, Hornsea 2, located 89km off the UK's east coast, will be the world's largest operating offshore wind farm, taking the title from its sibling project Hornsea 1, with the power to generate 1.32 GW of clean energy. Constructing a project of this size and scale is only possible through strong collaboration, hard work, and dedication. We work very closely with our partner companies and have the finishing line in sight as we install the remaining turbines and continue testing, commissioning, and energising Hornsea 2.”

Claes Westerlind, Executive Vice President and Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona, said: “Offshore wind is a cornerstone in mitigating climate change and we are pleased to continue to be a key player in making offshore wind a main element in the green transformation of the UK power supply. With Hornsea 2, we are happy to continue the long-term collaboration with Ørsted in connecting a greener world.”

The power cables for Hornsea 2 were manufactured at the NKT factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, which runs on 100% green electricity minimizing the carbon footprint of the cable system. As part of the environmental focus of the operation, the installation of the submarine power cable systems was completed by NKT Victoria, one of the most energy efficient cable- laying vessel in the industry.

NKT has extensive experience in connecting offshore wind parks to the UK mainland including commissioned projects such as Hornsea 1, Moray East and the Walney Extension. Currently, NKT is involved in ongoing offshore wind projects such as the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, which will be the first offshore wind farm in the UK to be connected to shore with a HVDC power cable link.

Facts: Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm

• Client: Ørsted Wind Power A/S
• Cable solutions: 196 km of 220 kV HVAC offshore power cable system
• NKT scope: Design, engineering, manufacturing, cable-laying, installation and testing
• Location: approx. 89 km of the Yorkshire coast in the UK
• Capacity: 1.32 GW from 165 8 MW turbines
• Fully operational: 2022