The HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) platform weighing 30,000 tons, built by Seatrium in Singapore, is planned for shipment to the North Sea and is set to be transferred to waters 60 kilometers off the European coast in 2028. This platform is designed as part of Singapore's efforts to capitalize on Europe's green trends and to transmit energy from wind farms.
Project History and Purpose
Seatrium, recently formed from the merger of two major offshore platform construction companies, has focused on producing these platforms to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in Europe. HVDC platforms, which are used to transmit wind energy over long distances, can manage up to 2 gigawatts of energy. These platforms are designed for 40 years of operation, and the construction of each takes about five years.
Challenges and Opportunities
The wind farm industry in Europe faces challenges such as high costs and supply chain shortages. However, Seatrium is leveraging its experience in the oil and gas industry to establish a strong position as a leading supplier in this sector. Reports indicate that Singapore now accounts for up to 20 percent of the global capacity of these platforms.
As investment in the wind farm industry has significantly decreased, the need for HVDC platforms has increased due to the rise of wind farms located deeper in the seas and farther from the coasts. Europe is continuously expanding its capabilities in this area to achieve its green energy goals.
Seatrium's Role in the Global Market
Seatrium, as one of the largest manufacturers of HVDC platforms in the world, has been selected to construct four platforms for the European grid operator TenneT. Given existing contracts, the company is currently pursuing HVDC and HVAC projects worth $9 billion in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Despite the challenges in the industry, Seatrium is looking to capitalize on the demand for wind energy in the coming years. The company hopes to create new pathways for clean energy supply in Europe by providing these platforms.
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