Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 28, ScottishPower Renewables has completed the installation of its first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore converter station at the 1,400MW East Anglia 3 wind farm, located off the coast of Suffolk, England. The milestone marks a major step in the development of the £4 billion project, which is ScottishPower Renewables’ first offshore wind farm to utilize HVDC technology for more efficient long-distance power transmission.

The 10,700-tonne, seven-storey converter platform was successfully lifted and secured last week by Heerema Marine Contractors’ crane vessel Sleipnir. According to the company, the structure is the largest ever built across parent company Iberdrola Group. The platform will convert electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) before transmitting it to shore, enhancing transmission efficiency and reducing energy losses.

Fabrication of the converter module was carried out in Mangalia, Romania, and later transported to Aker Solutions’ yard in Stord, Norway, for final assembly. Siemens Energy supplied the transmission technology for the project, which is expected to significantly strengthen the UK’s offshore renewable energy infrastructure.

Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Installing our first ever offshore HVDC converter station is testament to the hard work of our teams and suppliers to deliver such a complex feat of engineering. This is a significant milestone for our East Anglia 3 project as we progress towards completion at the end of 2026.”

Darren Davidson, vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I, noted: “This is a fantastic landmark moment. HVDC enables efficient long-distance power transmission with reduced losses, supporting the UK’s grid stability. Together, we’re delivering clean energy from the North Sea to power people’s homes.”

Aker Solutions Executive Vice President Sturla Magnus added: “East Anglia 3 marks Aker Solutions' second HVDC delivery this year and is a clear example of our ability to execute large and complex energy projects.”

Heerema Marine Contractors Chief Operating Officer Michel Hendriks also commented: “Completing this project in the shoulder seasons is a testament to our crew’s dedication and Sleipnir’s incredible capabilities.”

The East Anglia 3 wind farm will have a total capacity of 1.4GW and is part of the wider East Anglia Hub development, which includes several major offshore wind projects being developed by ScottishPower Renewables in the North Sea. Once operational in late 2026, the wind farm will provide enough renewable electricity to power approximately 1.3 million homes, contributing to the UK’s clean energy transition and energy security goals.

The successful installation of the HVDC converter station underscores the growing role of advanced transmission technologies in offshore wind developments, supporting more reliable and efficient integration of renewable power into the national grid.