In the southwestern area of the North Sea, 80 kilometers offshore, the DolWin gamma converter platform is currently being constructed as the third link within the DolWin wind farm cluster. The converter station is a part of the network connection project DolWin3 for the transmission system operators TenneT. For the first time, the new platform is being connected to its sister platform DolWin alpha by means of a high-performance 155 kV Feltoflex cable with a extraordinarily large cross-section of 800 mm². With an overall length of 200 meters, this will be the world's longest connection between two offshore platforms. The extremely flexible cable is designed to withstand strong winds and rough seas and is routed in sections across a steel suspension bridge. On this pilot project, PFISTERER was awarded the contract for laying all high-voltage and medium-voltage cables, both within the platform and over the bridge connection. Direct connections of this type are very rare. Until now, converter platforms have normally been connected directly to the mainland by submarine cables. The direct connection is profitable for the wind farm operators, however, due to the increased feed-in guarantee, as it is possible to switch between the two platforms as necessary.
PFISTERER has already started the onshore work for equipping the converter station. After this the HV offshore link follows.