ARKANSAS, Oct 24 (Future Headlines)- Prysmian, a global leader in energy and telecom cable systems, has successfully completed the installation and high-voltage testing at Vineyard Wind 1, the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the United States.
Vineyard Wind 1 is located more than 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts and consists of 62 wind turbines. This impressive wind farm will generate 800 MW of electricity, effectively powering over 400,000 homes.
Prysmian was awarded the Vineyard Wind 1 project in May 2019 by Vineyard Wind, LLC. The scope of the contract encompassed the entire process, from design and manufacturing to installation and commissioning of an HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) cable system. This system comprises two 220 kV three-core cables with extruded XLPE insulation.
This advanced cable system will serve as a crucial link to the mainland power grid in the United States, facilitating the distribution of clean energy generated by the wind farm. It is estimated that Vineyard Wind 1 will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million tons annually.
Hakan Ozmen, EVP Projects BU, Prysmian Group, expressed his pride in completing this strategically vital project. He noted that it underlines the United States’ significant progress in transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. Prysmian’s successful execution of the Vineyard Wind 1 project builds on their track record of successfully managing important projects in their portfolio. This achievement follows the company’s previous completion of the Viking Link cable operation.
Prysmian manufactured the 134-kilometer submarine power cables used in this project at its state-of-the-art centers of excellence in Pikkala, Finland, and Arco Felice, Italy. The marine installation of these cables was expertly carried out by Prysmian’s Cable Enterprise and Ulisse cable laying vessels.
The successful delivery of Vineyard Wind 1 demonstrates Prysmian’s ability to leverage their expertise, state-of-the-art cable technology, and installation capabilities in the US market. Alberto Boffelli, Head of Project Operations, Projects BU, Prysmian Group, emphasized their commitment to the growing offshore wind market in the US. He noted the company’s investment in a new cable plant in Brayton Point, Massachusetts, which is set to further strengthen their presence in the country.
In conclusion, the completion of the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm’s cable installation represents a significant step forward in the transition towards clean energy in the United States. Prysmian’s successful execution of the project underscores their commitment to supporting the expansion of the offshore wind market in the US and their dedication to contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
Reporting by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White