News at STRI
May 6, 2011 - STRI signs cooperation agreement with DNV
STRI has signed an agreement with DNV (Det Norske Veritas), in an effort to meet the increasing market demand for advanced solutions for power transmission in the offshore sector.
The two organisations have highly complementary skills. DNV has more than 40 years of experience in risk management from the offshore oil and gas sector and 30 years of offshore wind experience. Together with STRI’s unique know how and experience in system studies for wind power integration and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) applications, including multi terminal HVDC – VSC technology, the two companies form a very competent partner for the wind power and offshore industries. STRI accredited high voltage laboratory and long experience within testing of HVDC equipment and cables including for long sea crossing interconnections adds further value to the common services.
Dan Wikström, President of STRI, says "Providing megawatts of power to subsea installations, as well as building future offshore DC-grids, will require new ways of combining electrical engineering with offshore engineering and risk management. With this in mind, the joint service offering from STRI and DNV gives us the opportunity to offer integrated solutions to our customers and meet the growing demand in the market place."
"There are two fundamental drivers behind the decision to collaborate," adds, Kjell Eriksson, Director of the Energy Programme in DNV Research and Innovation, "The electrification of both conventional and subsea oil and gas installations, and the growth in offshore wind energy. Both drivers will require new solutions in relation to offshore power transmission."
In order to accommodate the EU 2020 renewable target, up to 40 GW of offshore wind power could be installed in the North Sea, requiring investments in the transmission grid in the order of 11 – 28 billion Euros. EWEA has indicated the possibility of 300 GW installed wind power by 2030 of which half would be off shore. The US Department of Energy has estimated the offshore wind energy potential to 54 GW within 2030. For this to materialise significant investments and technology development in offshore transmission grids as well as strengthening the on shore transmission grid are required. STRI ambition is to support the work of efficient and reliable electric power solutions for a "green" future with minimum impact on the environment
In September last year, DNV acquired BEW Engineering, a US-based specialist consulting firm focusing on integration of wind and solar energy, and transmission and distribution of electrical power. "Collaborating with STRI forms a natural next step in our drive to support both the oil and gas sector as well as the renewable energy and power transmission industries, says Mr Eriksson.
DNV is a global provider of services for managing risk, helping customers to safely and responsibly improve their business performance. DNV core competence is to identify, assess and advice on risk management. DNV is an independent foundation with a presence in more than 100 countries (www.dnv.com).
