Norderney: BorWin5 Grid Connection

The transmission system operator TenneT is building a 900 MW grid connection from the EnBW He Dreiht wind farm to the converter station in Garrel/Ost. The 320 kV DC connection strengthens the German supply network. TenneT is building this DC grid connection with egeplast protective pipes for high and extra-high voltage cables up to 525 kV.

Horizontal Drilling Protects Natural Area

To achieve Germany’s expansion targets for renewable energy, connecting offshore wind farms to the supply grid is of great importance. One of these offshore connections is BorWin5 – a 230 km grid connection linking the EnBW He Dreiht wind farm, north of Borkum, to the extra-high voltage grid on land. The grid connection point is the Garrel substation in the Cloppenburg area. The submarine cable is 110 km long. The underground cable portion is 120 km. For the construction, a joint venture (ARGE) consisting of the companies Matthäi, Beermann, and Matthäi Wasserbau was commissioned by TenneT. The pipeline construction work is being carried out by STRABAG on behalf of the joint venture. The offshore connection runs across the island of Norderney. To protect the sensitive Wadden Sea environment and ensure dike safety, TenneT opted for horizontal drilling on the island. The high-temperature resistant Macroduct High-T in 450 x 61.5 mm is being used here. It is a protective pipe for high and extra-high voltage cables up to 525 kV, featuring increased thermal stability to withstand high thermal stresses. The combination of high flexibility and strength of the PE pipe used offers optimal properties for carrying out these horizontal drillings.

High Demands

Exact Timing