Grid connection of large offshore wind plants: techno-economic evaluation of HVAC solutions

Offshore wind power plants (OWPPs) are useful for achieving renewable spread targets, but they pose significant technological obstacles for integration into power transmission networks. An appropriate OWPP to transmission network connection method can enable production routing and system service provision. Different AC connection schemes for OWPPs are analyzed in this paper, with a focus on new 66 kV standard voltage and high-voltage levels, as well as technical insight on transmission cable capability and losses based on length, and economic analysis through proper estimation of construction costs and production forecast. In the Italian context, the selection of an appropriate connection option based on OWPP size and distance is carried out with possible energy price values.