Nokia: Optical Networking Technology for Clean Energy

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TenneT is building eight 2GW platforms in the Dutch North Sea with help from Nokia - Credit: TenneT
Nokia is providing optical networking technology for TenneT’s North Sea wind energy platforms alongside companies including GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy

Wind power is the most mature, commercialised and promising renewable energy technology that is already supporting the world’s transition away from fossil energy. 

Eight 2GW platforms in the Dutch North Sea aim to bring significant renewable energy volumes from offshore wind farms to the shore.

The project aims to deliver significant renewable energy from offshore wind farms to land in support of climate neutrality targets. 

TenneT has commissioned three consortia — Petrofac and Hitachi Energy consortium, GE Vernova-Seatrium consortium and GE Vernova-McDermott consortium — to deliver the 2GW offshore converter platforms and onshore grid land stations.

Nokia has been chosen to provide the platforms with optical networking technology. 

“Energy security and climate transition can go hand in hand - if smart, mission critical communication networks can power them,” says Subhagata Mukherjee, Vice President, Global Head of Sustainability at Nokia. 

Subhagata Mukherjee, Vice President, Global Head of Sustainability at Nokia

What is Nokia’s optical networking solution?

To facilitate the operation of the wind parks behind TenneT’s 2GW platforms, it needs a mission critical communication network in place. 

Nokia’s 1830 PSS DWDM solution will be used to establish a future-ready and resilient optical network, connecting offshore sites to onshore telecommunications infrastructure. 

Optical networks send data via light through a thin glass tube which is turned back into data at the other end. 

The network will allow for monitoring of these remote platforms to enable continuous energy transmission. 

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As part of this deployment, Nokia will deliver advanced amplification and transponder technologies to support long-distance transmission. 

Nokia will also provide support services with comprehensive design, testing and operational care. 

Marco Kuijpers, Director Large Projects Offshore at TenneT, says: “As we expand our offshore energy infrastructure, connectivity becomes more important than ever. 

Marco Kuijpers, Director Large Projects Offshore at TenneT

“The standardised, mission-critical optical network delivered by Nokia plays a central role in enabling the seamless operation and management of our 2GW platforms, allowing us to operate remotely. 

“With partnerships like this, Nokia is helping us towards a more independent energy supply and to advance towards the global goals for tripled renewable energy deployment set during the COP28 climate talks.”

The implementation of Nokia’s technology will begin in early 2025 to align with initial construction phases of the platforms. 

TenneT’s timeline for full operational readiness of the first platform is in 2029. 

James Watt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Optical Networks business at Nokia, says: “At Nokia we know that ‘there’s no green without digital’. This project demonstrates that principle in action. 

James Watt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Optical Networks business at Nokia

“By delivering standardized, 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.”


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