Both BalWin 1 and 2 systems will include 2GW HVDC offshore and onshore substations for renewable electricity transmission.

Aker Solutions has secured a contract from Dragados Offshore to supply the steel substructure for the BalWin1 offshore wind grid connection in Germany.

Aker will supply the steel substructure for the 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station of the project with an option for the BalWin 2 steel substructure for Amprion Offshore, the transmission system operator.

Both the BalWin 1 and BalWin 2 grid connection systems will feature 2GW HVDC offshore and onshore substations for transmitting renewable electricity.

With a total transmission capacity of 4GW, the BalWin projects can supply enough power to serve a major city such as Berlin.

Aker Solutions’ new build segment executive vice-president Sturla Magnus stated: “We are proud that Dragados Offshore has selected Aker Solutions as the contractor for the BalWin 1 steel substructure.

“We have over decades developed substantial expertise and track record for delivering predictable execution of demanding projects. The new contract is aligned with our strategy to grow our activities within renewables and low-carbon projects.”

The fabrication of the HVDC substructures is set to take place at Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway.

The company’s responsibilities encompass procurement, method engineering and construction of the offshore HVDC converter platform substructures.

Preparations for procurement and method engineering will begin in spring 2025, while construction is expected in early 2026.

The delivery of these substructures is scheduled for 2028 and 2029.

In December 2024, Aker Solutions and ABB were awarded a contract to provide front-end engineering and design (FEED) services for the GreenVolt offshore wind project in Scotland, UK.

The delivery will involve work across Aker’s locations in Fornebu, Mumbai, London, and Aberdeen.

During the first phase of FEED, Aker will lead the design of the high-voltage offshore substation, overall system design and onshore high-voltage equipment.