In a significant move for the offshore wind sector, Scottish company Synaptec has been tapped to provide cutting-edge technology aimed at preventing cable failures in the latest phase of the Dogger Bank offshore wind project. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as cable failures have emerged as the leading cause of financial losses and insurance claims in offshore wind projects, accounting for a staggering 83% of all such issues. With the stakes so high, developers often find themselves staring down the barrel of tens of millions of pounds in losses when cables fail.
Synaptec, hailing from Glasgow, has developed a game-changing technology capable of detecting four out of every five cable faults in offshore wind farms. This impressive capability positions the company as a frontrunner in a field where reliability is paramount. The firm’s Distributed Electrical Sensing (DES) technology has already been successfully integrated into other pioneering projects, including Hywind Scotland and Hywind Tampen floating wind farms.
The crux of the problem lies in the joints and terminations of cables, where a whopping 69% of failures occur. Synaptec’s focus on these critical areas underscores its commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges in the sector. As Synaptec’s chief executive Philip Orr aptly put it, “Cable failures and unplanned maintenance are bad news for the offshore wind sector and a challenge which can and must be overcome as the UK and other countries around the world embark on their clean energy missions.”
The implications of this technology extend far beyond just one project. By mitigating the risk of cable failures, Synaptec’s DES technology could very well unlock the full potential of offshore wind energy on a global scale. Operators can breathe easier knowing that they have a robust system in place to monitor and maintain the integrity of their infrastructure. This not only prevents costly claims backlogs—potentially running into the hundreds of millions of pounds for some individual cases—but also enhances the overall viability of offshore wind as a cornerstone of the energy transition.
Moreover, the selection of Synaptec’s DES as the “de-facto standard for electrical monitoring of offshore wind power cables” signals a shift in how the industry approaches cable management. As the energy transition unfolds, the demand for innovative solutions that ensure economical and efficient operations will only grow. Synaptec stands poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution, ready to support developers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern energy demands.
As the offshore wind sector continues to expand, the focus on reliability and performance will only intensify. Synaptec’s advancements could very well set a new benchmark for cable monitoring technologies, shaping the future of offshore wind and reinforcing its role in the global clean energy landscape. The winds of change are blowing, and with them, the promise of a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
