02962837

This project is a technology agnostic high-level study of the costs, risks and opportunities for different cable topology and cable connection methods (including subsea wet mate connectors) for offshore floating wind, in comparison to a more conventional topology in a daisy chain configuration between turbines. This study is important as it aims to answer the following questions:

• What topologies will potentially be used for future FOW sites (e.g. daisy chain, fishbone, or star)?
• What type of connectors will be required and their current technology readiness level (TRL) in the subsea sector (i.e. what is going to be available in 2025 to 2030)?
• What are the expected failure modes and reliability level of cable array topologies using subsea connectors versus conventional daisy chain arrangements? How does this influence the overall array-level system reliability and redundancy?
• What are the installation characteristics of the comparative array topologies for installation and disconnection (i.e. required vessels and equipment, time scales, any additional risks and uncertainties)?
• What are the comparative purchase, installation and O&M costs for different connector and topology combinations?