The first subsea generator switchgear of the Sotenäs Wave Energy Plant on the Swedish West coast was connected to the Swedish National Grid last weekend. The 120 ton subsea generator switchgear was deployed and connected to grid via a 10 km subsea cable. A number of wave energy converters (generators) were also connected to the subsea switchgear.
"This is a very significant step for us. As soon as the buoys are connected to the generators we can start to produce electricity to our customers," saysHeli Antila, Chief Technology Officer at Fortum.
"This grid connection of a subsea generator switchgear is the first in the world," says Mats Leijon, CEO of Seabased. "We are very happy to have reached this milestone and I wish to thank all our employees and our business partners for their efforts and their support all along the way," he continues.
Fortum and Seabased AB signed in 2011 an agreement on the construction of a joint wave power park in Sotenäs, Sweden. After completion, the wave power park will be the world’s largest, full-scale demonstration project of its kind.
Further information:
Heli Antila, Chief Technology Officer, Fortum, tel. +358 40 571 7188
Video:
Wave power park west coast Sweden
Fortum
Fortum’s purpose is to create energy that improves life for present and future generations. Fortum’s expertise is in CO2-free and efficient electricity and heat production. The company also offers energy-related products and expert services to private and industrial customers and energy producers. Fortum’s main areas of operation are the Nordic and the Baltic countries, Russia and Poland. In 2014, the annual sales (excluding the divested electricity distribution business) totalled EUR 4.1 billion, and comparable operating profit was EUR 1.1 billion. The company employs approximately 8,000 people. Fortum’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.fortum.com