66 kV systems for offshore wind farms

In order to increase the Dutch offshore wind capacity up to 4,450 MW until 2023 the Dutch Government agreed to develop three new wind-park zones in the North Sea which are Borssele, Hollandse Kust Zuid and Hollandse Kust Noord with a total capacity of approximately 3,500 MW. The current standard voltage level for offshore wind park inter-array grids is commonly 33 kV. Due to the fact that the average single capacity of wind turbines is going to increase to 6-8 MW and higher and the average total capacity of wind parks for new offshore wind projects also increases, a higher voltage level of 66 kV is expected to be used for inter-array connections of new offshore wind projects. TenneT is considering the option of utilising 66 kV as an array system voltage. Read the full study report.