Powering Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, U.S.

Siemens Transmission Products will equip the Vineyard Wind offshore windfarm project in Massachusetts, a 650 km2 field south of Martha’s Vineyard, that will generate energy for more than 400,000 homes and businesses while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.6 million tons per year. The scope of delivery comprises 18 gas-insulated high-voltage switchgear (GIS) bays, 2 shunt reactors, 2 generation-step-up-transformers and 2 earthing / auxiliary transformers along with digital control and protection equipment (SCADA).

First offshore project in the U.S. for clean energy transmission

New England, U.S. is shifting to clean competitively priced energy and Massachusetts state law seeks to have 3,200 MW of offshore wind by 2035. An important part of this goal is Vineyard Wind, providing 800 MW of offshore energy to the region. A large portion of the transmission product components that will be installed on the offshore platform will be delivered by Siemens Transmission Products. The scope comprises 16 bays of 66 kV 8DN8 GIS and 2 bays of 220 kV 8DN9 GIS.

Siemens is delivering a complete set of transmission products

Besides the switching components, Siemens will also manufacture two generator-step-up transformers at 450 MVA that transform the voltage generated up to 220 kV transmission level and two earthing / auxiliary transformers. Two 170 MVA shunt reactors for the 220 kV level will compensate the reactive power. The scope also includes digital control & protection equipment, delivered by Siemens Digital Grid.

Closest collaboration for fast project execution

The customer Semco Maritime is an EPC with more than 30 years of experience in offshore wind technology. Semco Maritime and the wind farm operator Vineyard Wind benefit from the integrated power solution for the complete electrical offshore equipment delivered by Siemens, consisting of gas-insulated switchgear technology, generator-step-up transformers, shunt reactors and earthing / auxiliary transformers including control and protection. Siemens was able to propose the most robust and fastest solution – in fact the execution can be done more than on time, so that an earlier connection of the windfarm than originally intended will now be possible. Since the beginning of the project closest collaboration between all parties has been key: in a joint technical workshop the most suitable concept was created in a collaborative manner.

Connecting the Vineyard Wind offshore windfarm to the U.S. grid with proven transmission products shows our commitment and ability to solve special offshore requirements and contribute to a more sustainable energy world.” says Dr. Beatrix Natter, CEO of Siemens Transmission Products.
Dr. Beatrix Natter, CEO of Siemens Transmission Products

Siemens Transmission Products

Transmission products play a vital role in the energy value chain. Siemens Transmission Products offers all key elements including power transformers, gas-insulated and / or air-insulated switchgear and components, individually or bundled, with related engineering. With our global factory network and leading innovations we provide the highest level of quality and reliability to support our customers in achieving their objectives.