Nokia has been chosen by TenneT, a leading offshore transmission system operator in Europe, to supply essential optical networking technology for eight new 2-gigawatt (2GW) platforms in the Dutch North Sea. These platforms are set to deliver crucial renewable energy to the mainland.

Source: Nokia

TenneT has engaged three consortia - the Petrofac and Hitachi Energy consortium, the GE Vernova-Seatrium consortium, and the GE Vernova-McDermott consortium - to construct the 2GW offshore converter platforms and the onshore grid stations. This initiative is a vital part of the European energy transition, as the platforms will transport significant volumes of renewable energy from offshore wind farms to the coast, aiding Europe’s ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

The 2GW program introduces an innovative model for energy transmission, focusing on a more efficient and standardized method for delivering offshore wind energy. To ensure proper operation of the wind parks linked to the 2GW platforms and manage the unmanned platforms, TenneT requires a mission-critical communication network. Nokia’s 1830 PSS DWDM solution will create a robust, future-ready optical network that connects the offshore facilities to TenneT’s onshore telecommunications system. This network will allow TenneT to oversee and control these remote platforms, ensuring consistent and dependable energy transmission.

As we expand our offshore energy infrastructure, connectivity becomes more important than ever. The standardized, mission-critical optical network delivered by Nokia plays a central role in enabling the seamless operation and management of our 2GW platforms, allowing us to operate remotely. With partnerships like this, Nokia is helping us towards a more independent energy supply and to advance towards the global goals for tripled renewable energy deployment set during the COP28 climate talks.

In this deployment, Nokia will provide advanced amplification and transponder technologies to facilitate long-distance transmission, allowing single-span unrepeatered transmission of up to 400 km. The solution features Nokia’s extended reach amplification systems, which will ensure reliable optical transport, even in the challenging offshore conditions. Additionally, Nokia’s support services will offer extensive design, testing, and operational support, ensuring the network adheres to TenneT’s high standards for resilience and performance throughout all construction phases and during long-term operation.

At Nokia we know that ‘there’s no green without digital’. This project demonstrates that principle in action. By delivering standardized, high-performance optical networking technology that meets the unique demands of offshore environments, Nokia is supporting TenneT in providing reliable green energy to millions of homes across the Netherlands and Europe.

The rollout of Nokia’s optical networking solution is set to commence in early 2025, coinciding with the initial construction stages of the 2GW platforms. This deployment will enable early integration and thorough testing of the communication systems, supporting TenneT’s schedule for achieving full operational readiness of the first 2GW platform by 2029.