Veja Mate - Balance of Plant: Cooperation with Siemens Energy continues

In June 2022, Veja Mate and Siemens Energy signed a new Balance of Plant contract, continuing a successful cooperation project.

For the next five years, Siemens Energy will carry out the service work for the 402 MW offshore wind farm Veja Mate. "The signing of the new contract underlines the trusting cooperation, started in 2017, and we look forward to a continued strong partnership," Managing Director, Veja Mate.

Veja Mate is a 402 MW, 1,9 bn EUR offshore wind project owned by the VM Offshore Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH. The wind farm is located about 95 km NW from Borkum Island and is producing over 1,6 TWh of green, renewable electricity annually.

Scope of the Balance of Plant Contract

The new Balance of Plant (BoP) agreement with Siemens Energy encompasses a comprehensive range of services essential for the reliable operation of the Veja Mate offshore wind farm. Under this contract, Siemens Energy assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of all non-turbine electrical infrastructure, including the offshore substation, inter-array cables, and associated auxiliary systems. The scope also covers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, remote monitoring, spare parts management, and technical support to ensure maximum availability of the wind farm's power export systems.

In addition to routine maintenance, the contract includes provisions for condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies. By leveraging advanced analytics and real-time data from the substation and cable network, Siemens Energy can identify potential issues before they escalate, thereby reducing downtime and optimizing the performance of the 402 MW facility. This proactive approach aligns with Veja Mate's commitment to operational excellence and long-term asset integrity.

The agreement also formalizes a framework for collaboration on future upgrades and retrofits. As technology evolves, both parties will work together to evaluate and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. This forward-looking element ensures that the Balance of Plant remains state-of-the-art throughout the contract period.

Background of the Veja Mate Offshore Wind Farm

Veja Mate is a 402 MW offshore wind farm located approximately 95 kilometers northwest of Borkum Island in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea. The project was developed by Veja Mate Offshore Project GmbH, a company owned by the VM Offshore Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, with a total investment of around 1.9 billion euros. Construction commenced in 2016, and the wind farm achieved full commissioning in 2017, delivering over 1.6 terawatt-hours of green electricity annually—enough to power around 500,000 German households.

The wind farm comprises 67 Siemens Gamesa SWT-6.0-154 turbines, each with a rated capacity of 6 MW, mounted on monopile foundations. The turbines are connected via 33 kV inter-array cables to an offshore substation, which steps up the voltage to 155 kV for transmission to shore. The power is exported through the BorWin2 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, operated by TenneT, to the German onshore grid. This connection was a critical milestone, as detailed in the press release TenneT connects offshore wind farm Veja Mate to grid connection BorWin2.

The development of Veja Mate was marked by several key construction phases, including the installation of monopiles and the offshore substation. For more details on these milestones, readers can refer to Veja Mate Offshore Project Installs One Third of its monopiles and Veja Mate Offshore Project Installs OSS.

Importance of Balance of Plant in Offshore Wind Operations

In offshore wind farms, the Balance of Plant refers to all components and systems other than the wind turbines themselves. This includes foundations, substations, cables, and auxiliary equipment that are essential for collecting and transmitting the generated electricity. The BoP typically accounts for a significant portion of the capital expenditure and plays a crucial role in the overall reliability and efficiency of the project.

For Veja Mate, the BoP includes the offshore substation, which houses transformers, switchgear, and control systems, as well as the inter-array cables that connect the turbines to the substation. These components operate in a harsh marine environment, subject to saltwater corrosion, strong currents, and dynamic loading. Therefore, specialized maintenance and monitoring are required to ensure their long-term performance. The partnership with Siemens Energy brings extensive experience in high-voltage electrical systems and offshore operations, providing Veja Mate with confidence in the integrity of its BoP assets.

Moreover, the Balance of Plant is critical for grid compliance and power quality. The substation must maintain voltage and frequency within specified limits, and any faults in the cable network can lead to significant energy losses. By entrusting these responsibilities to Siemens Energy, Veja Mate can focus on optimizing turbine performance while ensuring that the electrical infrastructure operates at peak efficiency.

History of Cooperation Between Veja Mate and Siemens Energy

The relationship between Veja Mate and Siemens Energy dates back to the early stages of the project. Siemens Energy, formerly part of Siemens AG, was involved in the supply and installation of key electrical equipment for the offshore substation and the grid connection. The initial Balance of Plant service contract, signed in 2017, established a framework for ongoing maintenance and support following the wind farm's commissioning.

Over the past five years, the collaboration has evolved to include advanced diagnostic services, remote monitoring, and joint innovation projects. The successful track record of this partnership has been characterized by high availability rates, minimal unplanned outages, and a shared commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Veja Mate's Managing Director noted, "The signing of the new contract underlines the trusting cooperation, started in 2017, and we look forward to a continued strong partnership."

The renewal of the Balance of Plant contract in June 2022 reflects the confidence that both parties have in each other's capabilities. It also underscores the importance of long-term service agreements in the offshore wind industry, where the complexity and remoteness of assets demand specialized expertise and reliable partnerships.

Technical Details of the Balance of Plant Systems

The Veja Mate offshore substation is a critical node in the wind farm's electrical network. It houses two main power transformers, each rated at 225 MVA, which step up the voltage from 33 kV to 155 kV for export. The substation also includes gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), protection and control systems, and auxiliary power supplies for lighting, HVAC, and safety equipment. The substation is designed to operate unmanned, with remote monitoring and control from the onshore operations center.

The inter-array cable network consists of 67 individual cable strings, each connecting a turbine to the substation. These cables are buried beneath the seabed to protect them from fishing activities and anchors. The total length of inter-array cables exceeds 100 kilometers. The export cable, part of the BorWin2 HVDC system, is a 155 kV submarine cable that transmits power to the onshore converter station in Diele, Germany.

Under the new contract, Siemens Energy will perform regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of all these components. This includes thermographic surveys of electrical connections, partial discharge testing of switchgear, and integrity checks of cable terminations. The company will also manage the spare parts inventory and provide 24/7 technical support to address any operational issues promptly.

Future Outlook and Industry Context

The renewal of the Balance of Plant contract comes at a time of significant growth in the offshore wind sector. Germany has set ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion, with plans to increase offshore wind capacity to 30 GW by 2030 and 70 GW by 2045. As existing wind farms age, the demand for reliable operations and maintenance services is expected to rise, making long-term service agreements like the one between Veja Mate and Siemens Energy increasingly important.

For Veja Mate, the partnership ensures that the wind farm will continue to deliver clean energy at competitive costs, contributing to Germany's energy transition. The focus on predictive maintenance and digitalization aligns with industry trends toward more efficient and data-driven operations. By leveraging Siemens Energy's expertise, Veja Mate aims to maintain its position as one of the most productive offshore wind farms in the German North Sea.

In conclusion, the new Balance of Plant contract with Siemens Energy represents a continuation of a successful collaboration that has delivered tangible results. It underscores the commitment of both companies to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the offshore wind industry.