Vilicom Connects the World’s Largest Offshore Windfarm
A mobile network will aid the development of the world’s largest offshore windfarm, which will generate clean electricity for well over 1.3 million homes in the UK
UK-based wireless telecommunications provider, Vilicom has today announced it is providing a critical mobile network solution during the construction, development, and deployment of what will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Ørsted’s Hornsea Two.
Currently, in development 55 miles off the Yorkshire coast, Hornsea Two will comprise of 165 8.4MW turbines, across a 472km2 area, giving a combined total power output of a staggering 1.4GW. Once complete in 2022, the site will generate enough clean electricity to power over 1.3 million homes in the UK.
Hornsea Two will bring more low carbon power to the UK and support further opportunities for economic growth in the Humber region. It will also make an important contribution towards the UK goal for renewable electricity generation and to achieve the UK's energy security and carbon reduction objectives.
Deployment of Vilicom’s offshore communication infrastructure network, which will be built and tested in the UK prior to installation on Hornsea 2, will positively contribute to the successful progress of this complex project.
“The 4G offshore communications network will enhance vital communication during the construction phase and the longer lifecycle of the site. We will deploy a fully operational mobile network that spans the entire zone, allowing contractors and workers to have improved wireless access to data and information systems used during construction, as well as the ability to make regular cell calls using personal cell phone equipment,” explains Sean Keating, CEO of Vilicom.
“Once construction has concluded by the scheduled deadline of 2022, Vilicom systems will remain in place, continuing to provide essential communications for the operational and maintenance staff employed for the lifetime of the wind farm, ultimately aiding the seamless connection of hundreds of thousands of families to a sustainable source of energy,” adds Keating.
Patrick Harnett, Senior Programme Director, Hornsea Two, Ørsted said: “Vilicom is a UK supplier who shares our vision on building a more sustainable future. In order to act on climate change, we need to make use of the best technologies available.
“As we build larger offshore wind farms, our colleagues are required to travel further distances. Not only is there a requirement for reliable communication to support our construction technology, but it’s also imperative that our teams are able to remain connected to their families back home,” Harnett explains.
Watch Ian King interview Seán Keating and Patrick Harnett about the project on Sky News:
Download the full press release here.