Nokia bags deal to connect new offshore wind farms 

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The Finnish tech giant will provide the optical network to connect eight new renewable energy platforms in the North Sea 

Nokia has been selected by TenneT, a European offshore transmission operator, to supply key technology for a large renewable energy project in the Dutch North Sea.  

As part of the deal, Nokia will supply optical networking technology for eight new 2-gigawatt (2GW) platforms, keeping them connected to the mainland.  

The new 2GW program is designed to streamline energy transmission from offshore wind farms, creating a standardised approach to handling large volumes of renewable energy. TenneT has partnered with three consortia — Petrofac and Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova-Seatrium, and GE Vernova-McDermott — to deliver these platforms. 

Nokia will use its1830 PSS DWDM technology will reliably connect the offshore platforms to TenneT’s onshore systems, enabling TenneT to oversee and manage the platforms while ensuring steady energy transmission.  

The optical network will have long-distance un-repeatered transmission capabilities of up to 400km, with technologies designed to handle the challenging offshore environment. Nokia will also provide design, testing, and long-term support to ensure the system’s reliability. 

“At Nokia we know that ‘there’s no green without digital’. This project demonstrates that principle in action. By delivering standardised, 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,” said James Watt, SVP and General Manager of Optical Networks business at Nokia in a press release. 

The rollout of Nokia’s technology will start in early 2025, in line with the construction of the 2GW platforms. The first platform is scheduled to become operational by 2029. 

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