The North Seas Countries' Offshore Grid Initiative - Initial ... - Benelux

The illustrative designs consider the possible development of an offshore grid by utilising
two different design strategies, thus enabling comparison between the different
approaches (and associated technology assumptions as analysed in [5])
Figure 0-1 Assumed general pattern of the Offshore Grid Development
Radial -point-to-point connection of offshore wind farms and shore-to-shore
interconnectors (with necessary onshore development) utilising existing and anticipated
future transmission technology [5].
Meshed -coordinated onshore, offshore and interconnected design using anticipated
technology [5], interconnecting offshore platforms, offshore development zones and
countries
It should be recognised that the radial and meshed design strategies represent extreme
ends of the spectrum of approaches. Any integrated offshore grid is likely to develop in a
stepwise manner with coordinated near-shore wind connections and point-to-point
interconnectors an essential first step. In reality therefore a regional solution could be
expected to include some or all of the elements shown in Figure 0-1above. At today’s
stage any future offshore grid is expected to be developed gradually based on robust
business cases for individual projects rather than being built from any blueprint for the
future.
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