Hitachi Energy launched its OceaniQ™ portfolio for the offshore energy environment, which will be showcased this week at the annual WindEurope event in Bilbao, Spain.
Wind, marine, and offshore applications
The global technology and market pioneer in power grids, which has a proven track record in pioneering solutions for offshore, has created OceaniQ to help accelerate the clean energy transition. OceaniQ will result in greater volumes of wind power being efficiently harvested and integrated into the world’s energy system.
Combining cross-industry competence from the power and marine sectors, OceaniQ addresses applications for fixed platforms, floating structures, and sub-sea power systems for wind, marine, and other offshore operators. Hitachi Energy rigorously designs its OceaniQ products, services, and solutions in collaboration with customers and partners, which are designed to solve the specific needs of offshore energy operators.
Features of OceaniQ solutions
OceaniQ solutions take advantage of digitalisation, enabling safe and secure remote monitoring
Key characteristics of OceaniQ solutions feature a modular design to enable timely installation and the ability to quickly connect energy assets to onshore. OceaniQ solutions take advantage of digitalisation, enabling safe and secure remote monitoring and other services such as predictive maintenance.
Designs are also ruggedised to withstand harsh marine conditions, minimising the need for physical service over their lifetime. OceaniQ solutions also embody the rigorous application of lifecycle thinking.
OceaniQ™ transformers for offshore floating applications
The first products to be announced as part of the OceaniQ portfolio are Hitachi Energy’s recently announced transformers for offshore floating applications. Since the first commercial projects in the early 1990s, offshore wind electricity generation has grown enormously, with more than 35 gigawatts(2) capacity currently worldwide.
Yet building offshore brings great challenges beyond the harsh salt-water environment and only a small fraction of the full potential has been exploited. This is because many offshore areas do not have a suitable seabed and beyond 60-meter depths are not optimal for fixed structures.
Transformers and shunt reactors
OceaniQ™ has a lightweight, compact and modular design that comprises of specially-designed transformer active part
OceaniQ™ transformers and shunt reactors are key equipment in the grid infrastructure that enables the transmission of electricity generated in offshore wind farms. This full and qualified range of equipment has been developed in partnership with the forefront floating offshore developers.
It brings in world-leading experience to meet requirements, featuring a lightweight, compact and modular design that comprises specially-designed transformer active part, tank, and components.
Carbon-neutral future
“In OceaniQ, our world-class engineers take pride in pioneering solutions that overcome harsh offshore conditions and ultimately, help society move towards a carbon-neutral future,” said Bruno Melles, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Transformers business.
Bruno added, “Floating electrical systems are an important development in the evolution of the offshore renewable industry that will open up tremendous opportunities and unlock new business models that are built on clean power. OceaniQ is fully in the spirit of Hitachi Energy’s Purpose, which is focused on advancing a sustainable energy future for all.”
Sustainable and secure energy system
Through OceaniQ, we are building a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system"
Alfredo Parres, Head of Renewables at Hitachi Energy commented, “Wind power is one of Earth’s bountiful and free-giving natural resources, and through the OceaniQ offshore portfolio, customers will be able to harness and integrate it more efficiently."
Alfredo continued, “Through OceaniQ, we are building a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system by bringing together our experts in offshore applications and wind farm connections to develop and build the solutions needed for a more integrated, interconnected, and high-quality power grid."
Sustainable offshore energy-environment solutions
"I am excited to be discussing OceaniQ with customers at WindEurope this week and how together, we can continue to pioneer technologies that maximise the full potential of offshore wind.”
This latest portfolio development from Hitachi Energy continues to demonstrate the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation for sustainable offshore energy-environment solutions, adding to an already extensive offering.
Environmental performance
The company expects to announce new additions to the OceaniQ portfolio in the coming months. The launch of OceaniQ follows the company's recent launches of IdentiQ™, its digital twin solutions for HVDC and power quality – and EconiQ™ – its portfolio of solutions that are proven to deliver an exceptional environmental performance resulting in significant reductions in carbon footprint.
