Substantial efforts are underway to permit and build offshore wind generation assets on the east, west and southern coasts of the United States of America and many other parts of the world. Getting electricity from these offshore generating plants to the shore is a challenge that is being addressed as part of this effort. However, another major challenge that must be overcome is that once the electricity is brought onshore, the existing onshore transmission lines are highly constrained, congested, and unable to accommodate a substantial increase in generation capacity. To alleviate this significant problem, Advanced Conductors can and are being utilized to quickly and substantially increase the capacity of existing transmission corridors.
As an example, one of the largest and most influential grid operators in Europe has begun upgrading their existing grid in the Netherlands and Germany using Advanced Conductors to help link over 22 gigawatts of offshore wind generating capacity as part of a larger “European Green Deal” plan to build and link approximately 300 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2050. Thus far, the use of Advanced Conductors has allowed them to link 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity into the existing electric grid. To accommodate the Dutch government’s goal to reach 80% renewable energy goal by 2030 continued Advanced Conductor installations (along with substation upgrades) will enable a total of 21 gigawatts to be integrated to the upgraded grid.
The use of Advanced Conductors to increase the capacity of existing transmission corridors is not only keeping costs low it is expediting transmission project completion as existing structures can be used without replacement or modification, in most instances. Advanced Conductors, that offer high capacity and high efficiency are also helping deliver the greatest amount of energy with the lowest technical losses which further improves overall project economics while helping “future proof” the grid.
Advanced Conductors, that use carbon composite cores are also highly resistant to corrosion and cyclic load fatigue that often shorten the lives of conventional steel reinforced conductors that are in service along highly corrosive coastal, agricultural, and industrial areas that may also be subjected to high winds.
While a growing number of Advanced Conductors are entering the market, this particular grid operator selected the ACCC® Conductor which is the most highly tested and widely deployed Advanced Conductor in the world today with well over 1,000 projects completed in more than 60 countries including the United States.
For more information, please visit www.ctcglobal.com or email [email protected]