Creating the multi-purpose maritime platform of the future - STARTUPS/SME

Collaborate with RTE to develop multiuses of a platform at sea

 

What is an offshore substation?

An offshore substation is the point of interconnection between wind turbine cables and contains the electrical equipment needed for transmission of the electricity generated between the turbines and the onshore network via export cables. It is formed of an infrastructure (the foundations and substructure) and a topside with a surface area per level of between 1000 and 2000 m². Inside the topside, which has three to five levels, is the substation (GIS, or gas insulated substation) and the inbound and outbound cables, as well as fire prevention and air conditioning systems, a range of specific signalling, monitoring and maritime communication equipment (including a weather mast), a crane for loading and unloading, and more. Oil & gas sector experience and standards have benefited the methods used in the design of offshore electrical substations.

The whole facility is automated and managed remotely, with limited access. The platform is a piece of heavy infrastructure located at least ten kilometres from the coast, attached to the sea bed at a depth of at least 10 metres, and rising to 20-30 metres above sea level.

 

Access to the offshore substation

RTE is the owner and operator of the substation. The power producer and the staff working on its behalf have access to the platform within an access management framework set out in an operating agreement in accordance with the NF C 18-510 standard (and associated UTE guidelines). The platform will also be equipped with maritime emergency evacuation equipment in compliance with current standards. A survival area will also be included. For authorized

 

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