Project name
UK Round 4 offshore wind seabed leasing
Description
DNV provides technical concept and cost modelling for offshore wind sites using projected next generation offshore wind turbines based on the Renewables.Architect software and its extensive offshore wind experience to inform the Customer’s bidding strategy.
Macquarie’s Green Investment Group and Total engaged in the process to secure a Crown Estate Round 4 seabed lease in the UK. To inform the Customer’s site selection and bidding strategy, DNV was engaged by the consortium to provide independent technical support in quantifying the technology and value of the proposed sites by evaluating the resource potential, CAPEX and OPEX inputs.
Using its proprietary Renewables.Architect software and its offshore wind market experience, DNV analysed the next generation turbine technology expected to be available for deployment on Round 4 sites. As part of the study the dimensions, performance and loads of the wind turbine were considered for the wind turbine foundation technology and installation strategy.
Based on the future turbine technology a project concept was developed by DNV, including energy yield assessment and cost modelling. The modelling considers economies of scale and synergies relevant to projects of different capacity ranges to inform the Customer’s bidding strategy. The energy yield, CAPEX and OPEX inputs were evaluated for a wide range of potential site scenarios taking into consideration site characteristics such as wind speed, water depth, ground conditions, and grid connection configurations. Significant modelling was also conducted on the foundation structures scenarios in consideration of site conditions assessment based on public data and DNV’s in house experience.
Additionally, DNV drew on its extensive technical and commercial experience in the offshore wind sector to contribute to analysis of grid connections considering HVDC transmission.
The support informed the Customer’s ranking of the relative commercial attractiveness of the proposed sites and bidding strategy that eventually lead to the customer’s successful bid for a site in the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 4.
The project, which will be located off the UK’s East Anglian coast, could deliver up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity and represents a significant early stage investment in the UK offshore wind sector for both companies.