Cost evaluation of EHVAC offshore wind farm interconnections using intermediate shunt compensation: A parametric study

A double-circuit line using commercially available 400 kV-50 Hz three-core XLPE-insulated submarine cables is considered for the evacuation of up to 1 GW offshore wind generation. Three transmission distances are studied, namely 80 km, 100 km and 160 km, evaluating conventional (line-end) as well as mid-line shunt compensation. Operating envelopes and transmission losses are assessed, showing the low losses at EHVAC cable transmission and the beneficial effects of midline compensation, which allows covering distances up to 180 km. Results show that the proposed transmission solution guarantees very low full-load losses, not exceeding 1.5%, 2% and 3% for the simulated cases. Lastly, a technical-economic comparison based on Dutch North Sea wind producibility data and new German feed-in tariffs, is subsequently carried out in order to assess the capitalized losses of the different EHVAC solutions.