Prysmian Completes Installation of Export Subsea Cables for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm
Prysmian has recently announced the successful completion of the installation and high voltage testing of the export subsea cables that connect the Sofia offshore wind farm to the UK mainland. This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in the development of the 1.4 GW offshore wind farm project.
Key Details of the Project
The Sofia offshore wind farm comprises more than 440 kilometers of ±320 kV offshore export cables with XLPE insulation, which were manufactured at Prysmian’s Pikkala plant in Finland. In addition, the project includes 15 kilometers of ±320 kV onshore cables with P-Laser insulation produced at the company’s Gron plant in France.
Prysmian secured a contract with developer RWE in 2021 to deliver the export cable connection for the Sofia project, which has been progressing steadily since then. The installation of the export cables began in 2023 using Prysmian’s specialized vessel, Leonardo da Vinci.
Project Progress and Future Plans
The offshore construction activities at the Sofia project site, located 195 kilometers off the UK coast, are ongoing. Over half of the monopiles have been installed, and the first wind turbines have already been set up. The project is set to feature 100 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines and is expected to be fully commissioned by 2026.
Once operational, the Sofia offshore wind farm will have the capacity to generate enough electricity to power approximately 1.2 million UK homes. This significant contribution to the renewable energy sector will help reduce carbon emissions and support the UK’s transition to a more sustainable energy mix.
Overall, Prysmian’s successful completion of the export subsea cables installation for the Sofia offshore wind farm underscores the company’s expertise in providing essential infrastructure for renewable energy projects. With continued progress on the construction front, the project is well on its way to becoming a key player in the UK’s offshore wind energy landscape.