RWE Signs Framework Agreements for HVDC Systems with Hitachi Energy and Aibel to Secure Capacity for Future Offshore Wind Farms

(Left to right) Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind
Mads Andersen, President and CEO of Aibel

RWE signed Framework Agreements with Hitachi Energy and Aibel for the joint supply of 3 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems for RWE offshore wind farms. The agreements are long-term as the secured HVDC systems are designated for offshore wind projects from RWE's global development pipeline, which will be connected to the grid at the beginning of the next decade.

HVDC systems allow electricity transmission from offshore wind farms to onshore connection points. The agreements include the supply of HVDC systems and the construction of the actual platforms. The onshore construction work will be contracted during the development phase of the projects. The framework agreements allow Hitachi Energy and Aibel to manage the resources required to deliver the three HVDC systems, such as securing the supply chain, hiring workforce, allocating engineering and manufacturing capacity, and ordering materials ahead of time.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, says, "The deployment of offshore wind is crucial to reaching climate protection targets. RWE, through the partnership with Hitachi Energy and Aibel, is able to secure early the necessary engineering and production capacity for three major HVDC systems to ensure future offshore wind farms can be integrated into the grid."

Niklas Persson, Managing Director Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business: "We're pleased to have been selected by RWE in this agreement to allow countries to achieve their carbon neutrality goals. The energy transition requires us to deploy innovative solutions at scale and speed. This new business model reflects our strategic shift to becoming more of a partner to support our customers in their effort to strengthen the power grids for the integration of increased clean renewables into the energy system."

Mads Andersen, President and CEO Aibel: "The agreement with RWE confirms that we have a competitive concept developed in collaboration with Hitachi Energy, and a reliable common delivery model with a balanced risk-reward profile. The capacity reservation provides predictability and further strengthens our position as a leading supplier to the offshore wind market."