The Anonymous Widower

National Grid Rollout New Technology To Expand The Capacity Of Existing Power Lines

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from National Grid.

These four bullet points act as sub-headings.

  • Latest rollout of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology highlights spare capacity on existing power lines allowing greater power flows

  • New instalments on 585km of key north to south transmission network routes has the potential to save consumers up to £50 million in constraint costs

  • Over the last five years DLR has saved £21million in constraint costs and complemented upgrades to the existing transmission network (such as reconductoring and the use of power flow controllers) which have added over 16GW of new capacity to the existing network.

  • National Grid is unlocking more power from the existing grid faster and more cheaply, using innovative technology to meet increased demand, alongside constructing new infrastructure.

These first three paragraphs of the press release describe National Grid’s use of Dynamic Line Rating.

National Grid has announced a significant expansion of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology across its electricity transmission network in England and Wales. Under a new five-year contract, Dynamic Line Ratings will be deployed across an additional 585km of key north-to-south transmission routes, potentially saving consumers up to £50 million over the next five years.

Meeting the growing demand for electricity requires both new infrastructure and smarter use of what already exists. DLR is an innovative yet proven technology that continuously monitors overhead line conditions to calculate a real-time capacity rating based on actual conductor behaviour and local weather, rather than the fixed conservative assumptions that have historically governed line ratings.

The result is a safe, reliable optimisation of available capacity on existing infrastructure, with the sensors and data analytics platforms allowing for a safe increase of the power carrying capacity of a circuit by an average of 8%. This reduces the need for constraint payments, where a generator is paid to stop generating to avoid overloading the electricity network.

This is an brilliant application of instrumentation, automation and very smart computing, that creates an average of eight per cent more capacity in the National Grid.

It’s like smart motorways for electrons, that from the press release appears to work.

I have some thoughts.

Reconductoring Is Mentioned

I suspect that the grid is highly instrumented and the grid can pick up areas that need to be replaced, but the masses of data a system like this will collect, will only improve their knowledge of the grid and give better predictions of where and how cables need to be replaced. Sophisticated modelling will also indicate, things like whether fatter cables here and there could squeeze more capacity into the network.

In the 1970s, I provided the software for the Water Resources Board to analyse and plan the pipelines and reservoirs for water supply in large parts of England.

Given that over the years, most of the problems over the years with the water industry, seem to apply to sewage, ownership, politics, equipment failure, rather than taps actually running dry, I suspect that Dr. Dimeloe and his team did a magnificent job. I would love to know the truth from one of the team.

As fifty years later, modelling software must be more sophisticated, I suspect a continuous analysis of the grid could give substantial benefits.

More And Better Sensors Will Be Developed

As needs arise, the systems will get more and more sophisticated and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the capacity of the grid increase by more than expected.

There Are 4,000 Miles Of High Voltage Overhead Lines In The UK

So if, National Grid can get an eight percent increase as the press release indicates, they might be able to add the equivalent of 320 miles to the electricity transmission network, without the hassle of applying for planning permission or dealing with Nimbies.

There might also be a cost saving as Google AI indicated that high voltage transmission lines cost around two million pounds per mile.

I Can Envisage Sophisticated Connection Networks For Offshore Wind Farms Using Coastal Or Even Offshore Batteries To Maximise The Energy Generated

Consider.

  • The output of a wind farm varies throughout the day and night.
  • Some of the variation in a wind farm’s output may be predictable.
  • Batteries and/or capacitors are good at smoothing variation in electrical power output and demand.
  • Capacitors are useful for smoothing out high-frequencies.
  • Highview Power are now building a 50 MW/300 MWh and a 500 MW/3.2 GWh battery, that both come with a sophisticated control system, they call a stability island providing inertia (frequency stability), short-circuit strength, and voltage control.
  • Dynamic Line Rating can be applied to the transmission line, that connects the wind farm and the battery to the grid.

Getting all these assets to work as a team, is a challenge some of the world’s best engineer/programmers would relish.

I could envisage, that systems like this could deliver hundreds of mill-pond smooth megawatts, that would be just what data centre owners wanted and needed.

Conclusion

The application of Dynamic Line Rating is going to revolutionise the electricity grid all over the world.

 

 

May 4, 2026 Posted by | Computing, Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Record Public Transport Growth To The Lake District As Keswick Added To National Rail Network

The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Rail Technology Magazine.

This is the sub-heading.

Record numbers of visitors are travelling to the Lake District by public transport after Avanti West Coast introduced a “virtual railway station” at Keswick, according to newly released figures.

These two paragraphs add more detail.

By adding Keswick to national rail journey planners, passengers can now purchase a single, fully integrated ticket covering both train and bus travel. From today (27 April), the ticket will be available year‑round following a successful two‑summer trial.

The initiative allows passengers to travel on Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express services to Penrith – the gateway to the North Lakes – before continuing to Keswick on Stagecoach’s X4 and X5 bus services, all using one ticket.

This paragraph describes the impact of the initiative.

The impact has been significant. Over the past year, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Stagecoach have all reported record-breaking passenger growth, underlining growing demand for seamless, car‑free travel to one of the UK’s most popular visitor destinations.

That looks like a good result all round.

I have some thoughts.

Buying A Ticket

I have just tried to book a ticket between Euston and Keswick for tomorrow, using my normal ticket retailer.

  • The destination was Keswick Bus.
  • It was just like buying a ticket between Euston and Liverpool Lime Street.
  • I could have entered my Senior Railcard.
  • The only thing that is needed would be to ask if you have a bus pass and adjust the ticket price accordingly.

I think one day in the summer, if I’m at a loss for something to do, I might visit Keswick.

I also found Keswick Bus on this ticket machine at Kings Cross.

Someone is getting the Ticketing Act together.

Getting To Events

In 2011 I visited all 92 English League Clubs in alphabetical order and some were difficult to get to from the nearest station.

Perhaps if a club has a bus between the local station and the ground, a virtual station could be added, which might be called say York Football.

There would be details instructions at the exit to the station about where to catch the bus or how to walk there if it were close.

It would obviously work for other sports and what about events like Glastonbury, Glyndebourne, The Suffolk Show and racing of both horses and horsepower.

Testing The Viability Of Possible Stations

It is very difficult to test the viability of a new station before a large sum of money can be allocated to build the station.

But supposing Merseyrail wanted to test the viability of a new station at Skelmersdale.

  • Skelmersdale Bus would be added to the Rail Ticketing System.
  • A bus route would be created probably between the new station at Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale.

Done properly, it could give a reasonable estimate of the viability of the new route.

Conclusion

I can see this being a very popular and successful development.

 

 

April 28, 2026 Posted by | Computing, Transport/Travel | , , | 3 Comments

Centrica Energy Signs Biomethane Agreement With Stream BioEnergy

The title of this post, is the same as that as this news item from Centrica.

This is the sub-heading.

Centrica Energy, in collaboration with Bord Gáis Energy, has signed an agreement with Stream BioEnergy to provide long term offtake and route-to-market services for Ireland’s largest biomethane facility processing municipal food and garden waste under development near Cork, Ireland. The plant will convert food and green waste into renewable biomethane for injection into the Irish gas grid, supporting the country’s decarbonisation goals and circular economy ambitions.

These two paragraphs add more details.

Stream BioEnergy is a leading developer of biogas plants in Ireland, and this new project represents a significant step forward in scaling sustainable gas production from organic waste. When operational in 2027, the new plant will process 90,000 tonnes per year of domestic and commercial food and garden waste to generate 80GWh annually of unsubsidised biomethane.

Under the agreement, Centrica Energy will offtake 100% of the biomethane produced at the facility and manage the associated green certificates, ensuring the renewable gas reaches end users efficiently and sustainably. The deal is supported by Bord Gáis Energy, Centrica’s Irish energy supply business, which will play a key role in enabling the delivery of biomethane to the Irish market.

It looks like Centrica are using their expertise to distribute the gas and do all the required green paperwork.

 

What Is The Major Use In Ireland Of Biomethane?

This was the obvious question to ask Google AI.

I received this answer.

The major use of biomethane in Ireland is as a renewable substitute for natural gas, primarily injected directly into the national gas grid to decarbonise the heating, industrial, and transport sectors.

While currently a developing industry (with around 75 GWh per annum produced in 2024), Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy aims for a rapid scale-up, targeting 5.7 TWh by 2030 to meet 10% of national gas demand.

Key areas of focus include:

Grid Injection & Heating: Biomethane is injected into the gas network to decarbonise residential, commercial, and industrial heating.

Transport Fuel (Bio-CNG): It is used as a sustainable alternative to diesel for heavy-duty vehicles (HGVs) and buses, often under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

Industrial Use: It is employed in sectors that are difficult to electrify, helping companies meet sustainability and carbon reduction goals.

Circular Economy/Agricultural Support: The production process creates a byproduct called digestate, which is used as a sustainable bio-fertiliser, helping farmers reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.

The sector is currently shifting from relying solely on food waste to incorporating agricultural residues like slurry and grass silage.

Are Centrica Involved In Biomethane In The UK?

Out of curiosity, I had to ask Google AI this question.

I received this answer.

Yes, Centrica is actively involved in the biomethane sector in the UK, focusing on offtaking, trading, and transporting green gas, as well as investing in infrastructure.

Key aspects of their involvement include:

Partnerships and Offtake Agreements: Centrica Energy Trading has signed a 15-year agreement with Yorkshire Water and SGN Commercial Services to offtake biomethane from two new gas-to-grid plants in Yorkshire.

Production Capacity: The aforementioned plants, located at Blackburn Meadows and Knostrop, are designed to produce approximately 125GWh of biomethane annually, sufficient to heat over 10,000 homes.

Investment in Bio-LNG/CNG: Centrica acquired a 16% stake in Gasrec, the UK’s largest provider of bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) for heavy goods vehicles, supporting the decarbonization of road transport.

Green Gas Trading: Through partnerships like the investment in Barrow Green Gas (BGG), a leading UK green gas supplier, Centrica has established itself as a major player in shipping green gas in the GB network.

Industrial Solutions: Centrica Business Solutions offers “Biomethane CHP” (Combined Heat and Power) to large organizations, enabling them to use green gas certificates to reduce their carbon footprint.

Centrica is aiming to expand its biomethane activities to support its net-zero goals, with a particular focus on using sewage treatment and other waste products for energy.

This seems to fit the pattern of the Irish deal.

Could Centrica be looking for lessons in Ireland, that can be applied to the UK market?

Do British Gas Research Have A Reputation For Innovation?

As British Gas Research developed the heata, which is an idea I like, I felt that it could be enlightening to ask this question of Google AI.

I received this answer.

Yes, British Gas (and its parent company Centrica) has a strong, long-standing reputation for innovation, particularly in the areas of home energy technology, customer services, and net-zero solutions. Their research and development (R&D) efforts are focused on energy efficiency, smart technology, and decarbonization.

Key areas where British Gas demonstrates a reputation for innovation include:

Smart Home Tech (Hive): British Gas pioneered the mass adoption of smart thermostats in the UK with the launch and development of Hive, a key part of their digital strategy for home energy management.

Low Carbon & Renewables: The company is a leading installer of heat pumps and is actively involved in hydrogen innovation for heating solutions.

Digital Customer Experience: They have utilized AI for, among other things, automating complaints root cause analysis and have developed advanced digital tools to allow customers to manage energy usage via apps.

Energy Transition Research: Through Centrica, they invest significant amounts annually in renewable generation and flexible energy solutions to meet net-zero targets.

Data Analytics: British Gas has partnered with research firms to use technologies like eye-tracking to improve the effectiveness of their digital ads and customer engagement.

Strategic Partnerships: They collaborate with industry leaders like Samsung and Barclays to provide energy efficiency incentives and optimize home appliance use.

While they are a major player in new technologies, it is important to note that the broader gas industry is currently focusing on “digital by default” and “flexible and seamless connections” for green gases, as part of their 2026-2028 strategy.

British Gas Research could give the sort of support, that those in the front line need.

April 24, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lumo Targets Drivers With ‘Pump-Primed’ Campaign Showing How To Travel To London For Less

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail Business Daily.

These three paragraphs outline the story.

Motorists driving to London are being shown how taking the train could save up to half the cost of their journey – as they fill-up at the fuel pumps.

Lumo has launched digital screens at a filling station to display real-time travel information and ticket prices.

Lumo believes the bold new trial, a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Smart Outdoor digital advertising firm, will give motorists a timely reminder of a greener and often more affordable alternative to driving between Scotland and England.

Note.

  1. Displaying real-time travel information is done regularly all over the transport network, for buses and trains.
  2. Adding ticket prices would not be difficult.
  3. All filling stations must have good enough broadband.
  4. I suspect, it could work best, where the train operator sells good value walk-up tickets. This is done at LNER stations on the East Coast Main Line and in An Affordable Trip To Doncaster, I told how I went to Doncaster for the day for £46.45 with a Senior Railcard, buying the tickets on a walk-up basis.

But who knows, where this technology will lead?

As a non-driver, if anybody sees the system in action, I’d love a comment and a photo.

A Ticket Buying App

I also think, I could specify a ticket buying app for trips someone needs to make.

The app would keep a list of train journeys you want to make.

Every day, it would look up the best prices available and if you wanted to go somewhere, you could buy a ticket.

April 24, 2026 Posted by | Computing, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magna Tram Stop – 23rd April 2026

I went to the new Magna tram stop on the Sheffield tram-train today and took these pictures.

 

The tram stop structure looks like two identical lift towers with a staircase, that have been lifted in onto foundations, that are opposite each other.

  • The two structures appear to be made almost entirely of steel, which is surely appropriate for the Sheffield and Rotherham area.
  • The lifts are typical quality lifts from Stannah.
  • After installation the staircases point in opposite directions.
  • Were the three components of the bridge just lifted into place and then wired up and switched on?
  • A steel bridge completes the tram stop.
  • The design of the bridge keeps the travellers well away from the electrification.
  • The bridge steelwork was constructed locally at Barnsley.

I believe, this tram stop was designed for ease of installation and the lowest possible cost consistent with high quality.

I wouldn’t be surprised that this tram stop bridge has been designed so it can be replicated in different sizes at different locations.

I have some further thoughts.

Can This Design Be Adapted For Other Applications, Locations And Sizes?

I believe it can and this bridge could be the first of many.

Can This Design Be Assembled Around A Working Railway With A Few Short Possessions?

I believe it can, which would be a good cost and time saving in assembly!

I also believe, that as at Magna, it could be assembled around a working electrified railway.

There is a lot to like about this tram-stop design.

Are Sheffield Planning Any Expansion Of The Trams?

Out of curiosity, I had to ask Google AI, the title of this section.

I received this answer.

Yes, Sheffield is actively planning to expand its tram network as part of a major public transport regeneration project aiming for better connectivity and reduced congestion. Key proposals include extending the tram-train network to Doncaster and Barnsley, a new route to Stocksbridge, a connection to Chesterfield via Barrow Hill, and a new stop at the Magna Science Adventure Centre.

Key details of the expansion plans include:

Network Expansion Plans: The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is evaluating several extensions, including a potential route connecting the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the southern city centre.

Tram-Train Focus: Future expansion heavily features tram-trains, which can use existing rail lines, such as the 9-mile link to Stocksbridge.

Doncaster and Barnsley Routes: Proposed extensions involve utilizing existing rail lines for faster connections to Doncaster and a new line to Barnsley.

Infrastructure Investment: The government has announced £570 million for upgrading the existing Supertram network, including improving capacity at Sheffield Train Station.

Timeline: While studies and developments are ongoing, significant work is expected to pick up speed toward 2030, integrated with Northern Powerhouse Rail developments.

Could we see more innovative bridges?

 

April 23, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Design, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Welsh Government Backs Marine Power Systems’ Floating Wind Tech With GBP 8 Million

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

The Welsh government has invested GBP 8 million (approximately EUR 9.4 million) in Marine Power Systems (MPS) to support the commercialisation of its floating offshore wind technology.

These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.

According to the company, the funding will accelerate the deployment of its PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution designed for deep-water sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are not viable.

Marine Power Systems said the investment will help move the technology from advanced development towards commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The company also plans to expand its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.

The PelaFlex platform has been designed to simplify fabrication, installation and long-term operations while enabling wind farms to be located further offshore where wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent, MPS says.

The offshore wind industry in Wales seems to be gearing up for a big expansion.

Gwynt Glas is the collective name for the three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in the Western Approaches and in Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry, I describe the initial agreement that started the Gwynt Glas project.

To my mind, Associated British Ports and the wind farm developers are making sure they can carpet the Western Approaches, with offshore wind farms.

In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I talk in general about the progress of the first three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in Gwynt Glas and in particular about leasing of the third wind farm.

These two posts, indicate that the Port of Port Talbot is preparing itself to produce the floaters for floating wind turbines.

It certainly appears, that South Wales will be able to build the heavyweight gubbins for floating offshore wind.

According to Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter? it was, and in 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.

It does look like South Wales is going to repeat the economic success with offshore energy.

I’ve heard tales from elderly Welshmen talking of the coal ships in the docks of South Wales and will we be seeing gas tankers in the docks of South Wales?

March 13, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Finance & Investment | , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How Much Pumped Storage Hydro Will Be Operational In The UK By 2030?

Pumped Storage Hydro is the Bank of England-standard for energy storage.

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.

The UK currently has approximately 3 GW (roughly 26-28 GWh) of operational pumped storage hydro (PSH) capacity. By 2030, this capacity is expected to increase, driven by new projects in the pipeline that aim to meet a government goal of up to 8 GW of long-duration energy storage by that year.

Key Projects Expected Online by 2030-2031:

Coire Glas (SSE): A major project in Scotland with a planned capacity of 1.3 GW / 30 GWh, expected to be operational around 2030–31.

Cruachan Expansion (Drax): A 600MW plant in Scotland that has received approval, with construction expected to contribute to the 2030 goal.

Glenmuckloch: Projected to be operational by 2029. In 

Other Developments:

Total Pipeline: Developers have identified up to 10 GW of potential projects in the Scottish Highlands and Wales, though not all will be operational by 2030.

Future Growth: The total installed capacity of PSH is expected to grow significantly, with one projection suggesting a rise from 26.7 GWh currently to over 122 GWh by 2034.

To support these projects, the UK government has confirmed a “cap and floor” investment framework to stimulate development of long-duration energy storage (LDES).

For a relatively small island we do seem to be an ideal place to develop pumped storage hydro!

The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme

In The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme.

The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme

In The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme, which is based on a disused open cast coal mine.

Addition Of Pumped Storage Hydro By 2030

This looks to be around 5 GW, but it is just a foretaste of the shape of things to come!

February 28, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are Hitachi’s Tri-Mode Trains Exceeding Expectations?

I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.

Yes, Hitachi’s tri-mode (battery-hybrid) trains are exceeding expectations, particularly following successful trials in the UK in late 2024. Trials of the battery-equipped Class 802/2 demonstrated superior performance to initial forecasts, leading to a £300 million order for a new fleet to be delivered in 2028.

Key findings from trials and operational expectations:

Performance Exceeded: The trial, conducted with TransPennine Express and Angel Trains, showed fuel cost savings of 35%–50%, surpassing initial predictions of up to 30%.

Operational Capability: The battery technology enabled trains to reach speeds greater than 75 mph and provided enough range for zero-emission, silent running in and out of stations, significantly reducing noise and improving air quality.

Energy Efficiency: The battery matched the weight of a diesel engine, meaning no extra track degradation.

Future Impact: The success of the trial led to an order from Arriva Group for a new fleet for Grand Central services, which will increase seating capacity by 20% and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

These trains, designed to run on electric, battery, or diesel power, are part of a push to modernize rail services, with the technology allowing for the gradual elimination of diesel-only operation on certain routes.

That is certainly good performance and Hitachi received a £300 million order, which I wrote about in Arriva Group Invests In New Battery Hybrid Train Fleet In Boost To UK Rail Industry

But I don’t think it’s all down to Hitachi, as Hitachi linked up with Sunderland-based Hyperdrive Innovation, who are JCB’s battery supplier. Hyperdrive were taken over by Turntide Technologies in 2021.

In Batteries Ordered For Grand Central Inter-City Trains, I said this.

Hitachi Rail has selected Turntide Technologies to supply lithium iron phosphate batteries for use on electric-diesel-battery hybrid inter-city trainsets it is to build for Arriva’s open access operator Grand Central.

I am coming to the conclusion, that Turntide Technologies use and/or make some very special batteries.

I asked Google AI, “Which make of battery cells does Turntide use?” and received this reply.

Based on recent announcements (2023–2025), Turntide Technologies utilizes advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells for its next-generation battery systems, particularly for its partnership with Hitachi Rail.

Key details regarding Turntide’s battery cell usage include:

Chemistry Shift:

While previously associated with Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) in some applications, Turntide has focused its recent rail projects with Hitachi on LFP technology to enhance safety and allow for more compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.

Application:

These LFP batteries are used in high-performance, rugged, and space-limited environments, such as Hitachi’s UK battery-operated trains.

Modular Design:

Turntide’s Gen 5 battery systems are designed to be flexible for various applications including construction, agriculture, and mining, using modular, high-energy-density cells.

Previous Technology:

Previously, Turntide (which acquired Hyperdrive Innovation) used Lithium-ion NMC cells for its battery packs.

The search results do not explicitly identify a specific, named manufacturer (e.g., CATL, LG, Samsung) for the cells, but focus on the LFP chemistry utilized by Turntide.

I am also coming to the conclusion, that they took over Hyperdrive Innovation to get control of these compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.

 

 

 

February 10, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Energy Storage, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Offshore Wind Turbines In 2025: China Continues Leading In Single-Unit Capacity, Vestas’s 15 MW Turbine Installed At Offshore Wind Farms

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

In offshoreWIND.biz‘s 2024 annual wind turbine overview, you could have read about the first 16 MW floating wind platform installed offshore and a 26 MW prototype under construction, both in China, and a 21 MW prototype being assembled in Europe. Wind turbine generator (WTG) technology did not stop progressing in 2025, with Chinese OEMs still leading capacity-wise, while in Europe, first offshore wind farms are now featuring 15 MW turbines and a 21+ MW model was installed onshore for testing.

The article is very much a must-read and there is a lot of innovation going on.

As a comparison, between 2020 and 2026 we commissioned or are building these offshore wind farms in the UK.

  • East Anglia One – 2000 – 714 MW – 102 x 7 MW
  • Hornsea One – 2020 – 1218 MW – 174 x 7 MW
  • Kincardine – 2021 – 49.5 MW – 6 x floating
  • Hornsea Two – 2022 – 1386 MW – 165 x 8 MW
  • Moray East – 2022 – 950 MW – 100 x 9.5 MW
  • Triton Knoll – 2022 – 857 MW – 90 x 9.5 MW
  • Seagreen Phase 1 – 2023 – 1400 MW – 114 x 10 MW
  • Dogger Bank A – 2025 – 1235 MW – 95 x 13 MW
  • Moray West – 2025 – 882 MW – 60 x 14 MW
  • Neart Na Gaoithe – 2025 – 450 MW – 54 x 8 MW
  • Dogger Bank B – 2026 – 1235 MW – 95 x 13 MW
  • East Anglia 3 – 2026 – 1372 – 95 x 14 MW
  • Sofia – 2026 – 1400 MW – 100 x 14 MW

Average sizes for the various years are as follows.

  • 2020 – 7 MW
  • 2021 – floating
  • 2022 – 8-9.5 MW
  • 2023 – 10 MW
  • 2025 – 8-14 MW
  • 2026 – 13-14 MW

It can clearly be seen that in the last few years, turbines have been getting bigger.

I have some thoughts on the article.

2025 Saw Some Plans For And Installations Of Some Very Large Turbines

These four monsters were mentioned at the start of the article.

  • 26 MW – Prototype installed for testing (China)
  • 21.5 MW – Prototype installed for testing (Europe)
  • 15 MW Installed at offshore wind farms (Europe)
  • 50 MW Twin-turbine platform; Announced (China)
It would appear that much larger turbines are on the way.
This will not only mean some wind farms will be built with larger turbines, but also some older wind farms could be refitted with new larger turbines.
I Am Looking Forward To Seeing A Twin-Turbine Platform In Action
These posts talk about Swedish and Chinese designs.
Note.
  1. The Chinese seem to be providing turbines for both manufacturers.
  3. The TwinHub is the Swedish design, being built for trial in Cornwall.
  5. This new design is a 50 MW design, whereas these two are 32 MW.
It will be interesting to see how costs of single turbine designs compare with twin-turbine designs.

 

 

January 1, 2026 Posted by | Energy | , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

French Companies Unite On Superconducting Cable Project For Distant Offshore Wind Farms

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

Air Liquide, CentraleSupélec, ITP Interpipe, Nexans, and RTE have joined forces to develop a project that connects distant offshore wind farms to shore via a High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) superconducting transmission system.

This introductory paragraph adds some detail.

The SupraMarine demonstrator project will study the electrical connection between offshore wind farms and the coastline using High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables. Cooled by liquid nitrogen, the cables are said to transport electricity with near-zero energy loss.

Note.

  1. No details of the target distances are indicated.
  2. There is a detailed exploratory diagram.

It is certainly an ambitious project, but I feel it could have substantial uses.

I have a few thoughts and questions.

Can Sodium Metal Be Used For High Voltage Electrical Underground Cables?

Google AI answers this question as follows.

Yes, sodium metal was investigated and used in trial runs for high-voltage underground electrical cables in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as a potentially cheaper and more flexible alternative to copper and aluminum. However, it is not in common use today due to safety concerns and unfavorable lifecycle economics compared to aluminum.

When I was at ICI around 1970, they were researching the use of sodium for high voltage power cables.

  • ICI had access to large amount of sodium chloride in Cheshire.
  • The sodium metal can be obtained by electrolysis.
  • Renewable electricity for electrolysis will be plentiful.
  • Someone told me that their prototype cable was a polythene pipe with Sodium metal in the middle.
  • I’ve read somewhere that sodium cables have interesting safe overload properties.
  • I can understand the safety concerns and unfavorable lifecycle economics, especially where water is concerned.

Perhaps, French technology has improved in the sixty years?

Will Sodium Metal Be Used In The French Superconducting Cable?

Nothing has been disclosed!

But the office chat at ICI from those, who knew their sodium and their polythene, as they’d been working  at ICI Mond Division for decades, was of the opinion that sodium/polythene cables were possible!

From The Diagram, It Looks Like Power Is Needed At Both Ends Of The Superconducting Cable

The diagram shows wind turbines at one end and the grid at the other end of the cable.

So will a battery or some other form of stabilisation be needed for when the wind isn’t blowing?

Will The French Superconducting Cable Have A High Capacity?

The basic capacity of a cable depends on three properties.

  • The resistance of the cable.
  • The cross-section area of the cable.
  • The design of the cable must also be able too conduct away the heat generated by electricity flowing through.

Will The Technology Work For Interconnectors?

I don’t see why not!

 

December 13, 2025 Posted by | Energy | , , , , , | Leave a comment

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