A Novel Method for Optimizing Offshore Substation Installation and Commissioning for Offshore Wind Projects
Antonio Martín-Aparici, Paula Bastida-Molina, Elías Hurtado-Pérez, César Berna-Escriche Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ingeniería Energética (Institute for Energy Engineering), Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, (Spain)   2026-06-27

Abstract

Renewable energy, particularly offshore wind projects, has been a key focus for utility companies and developers over the past 15 years [1]. Organizations with extensive experience in power generation have increasingly pursued the concept of harnessing energy from marine environments. While the capital investment for offshore wind farms is significantly higher than for other power generation installations of similar capacity, studies indicate that wind resources in some regions offer greater stability and higher energy yield, enhancing long-term viability and efficiency [1].

The risks in the offshore wind projects can affect the construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance, and directly impact the viability of a profitable business case. Consequently, adopting a robust methodology that systematically accounts for these risks is critical to ensuring the project’s financial sustainability.

Therefore, the purpose is to identify risks during an important part of the installation and commissioning of offshore wind projects and develop a methodology to mitigate them. Based on the risk identification, this methodology explores the different phases of the project where the mitigations can be implemented to avoid any future delay in the project. The method proposes mitigations depending on different factors, such as weather, environmental conditions, seasons of the year, logistic availability, and other factors that affect the success of the project.

Results indicate areas of time improvement during the activities of the project, due to logistical enhancements, environmental mitigation, and commissioning completion in different timelines of the project, an approach unprecedented in this sector, and help to develop offshore wind energy.

Key words: Offshore wind farm, Mechanical and Electrical installation (M&E), Offshore substation, Risk Mitigation, Weather downtime.

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