Offshore Wind Transmission Course
Price
Duration
2.950€ (Early bird 2.360€ until September 1)
3-Day
Dates
October 14-16, 2025
Format
Course Status
In-Person
Open
Offshore Wind Transmission Course
Explore the intricate world of offshore wind transmission in this comprehensive two-a-half day workshop with the opportunity to enter GE Vernova’s Stafford, UK transmission facility. Gain a deep understanding of the electrical systems that connect offshore wind farms to onshore grids, including both High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) solutions, and explore transmission automation and simulation facilities – normally reserved only for customers of GE Vernova.
This course will take place from 8.30h until 17h GMT the first two days and 8.30h until 12h GMT the final day.
The price of this course includes the course attendance, refreshments, lunch on days 1 & 2, and a happy hour. The price does not include other related travel & accommodation costs. A list of hotels can be provided upon request.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role and challenges of offshore wind transmission systems, including environmental, technical, and regulatory considerations.
- Describe the fundamental components and functions of HVAC and HVDC technology, onshore and offshore substations, and key high-voltage equipment.
- Compare AC and HVDC transmission solutions in offshore wind, including pros and cons, converter technologies, and typical system configurations.
- Analyze power flow, voltage levels, load balancing, and grid code compliance strategies for integrating offshore wind with onshore grids.
- Identify the types, functions, and maintenance considerations of export and array cables, and evaluate their importance in system reliability.
- Assess emerging technologies (e.g., floating substations, DC breakers, DC/DC converters), and discuss their impact on future offshore wind transmission systems.
What Attendees Think:
“It was an invaluable experience. The course provided a comprehensive overview of the technical, regulatory, and financial aspects of offshore wind power transmission. The interactive format encouraged active participation and allowed for a deeper understanding of the material. What stood out to me in the course was the depth of knowledge the instructors brought to the table. They shared real-world insights and case studies that highlighted challenges and solutions in the field.”
– Jude T. ABS, Managing Principal Electrical Engineer
Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for professionals working in the offshore wind industry with high engineering competencies including engineers and technicians, regulatory and compliance specialist, grid operators and utility professionals, academics and researchers, and consultants and advisors. Renewable energy developers, energy analysts and economists, and engineering project members will also benefit.
Course Outline
Day 1
Module 1: Introduction to Offshore Wind Transmission
– Role of Transmission in Offshore Wind Projects
– Key Challenges and Considerations in Offshore Wind Transmission
– Regulatory and Environmental Aspects
Module 2: Onshore Substation Design – HVAC Technology
– Fundamentals of Onshore and Offshore Substations
– Equipment and Components
– Interconnection with the Grid
– Control and Protection Systems (Automation)
– Project System Studies
– Case Studies and Best Practices
FACILITY TOUR 1
– HVDC Valve facility
– Grid Automation facility
Day 2
Module 3: Offshore Substation Design – HVDC Technology
– Fundamentals of HVDC Technology
– Equipment and Components
– Considerations for Onshore Substations, Interconnection with the onshore Grid
– Considerations for and Offshore Substation Platform and Offshore windfarm
– Control and Protection Systems
– Project System Studies
– Case Studies and Best Practices
Module 4: Transmission
– Power Flow within an Offshore Wind Farm
– Voltage Levels and Load Balancing
– Grid Connection Strategies
– Integration with Onshore Grids
– Grid Codes and Compliance
FACILITY TOUR 2
– HVDC RTDS Simulation facility
– Grid Automation Simulation facility
Day 3
Module 5: Export and Array Cable
– Types of Export and Array Cables
– Cable Selection Criteria
– Cable Monitoring, Protection and Maintenance
Module 6: Trending Technology
– Case Studies on Technological Innovations
– DC Grids, Floating Substations, DC Breakers, DC/DC Converters
Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license.
Course Instructors
Neil Kirby
Business Development Manager, HVDC
GE Grid Solutions
Neil Kirby graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England in 1983, starting work with GEC in Stafford, England, which evolved over the years through GEC Alsthom to Alstom, to Areva, to Alstom and most recently to GE.
He has held many roles in Control System Hardware and Software design, Site Commissioning and Project Engineering in HVDC systems worldwide. Neil is currently HVDC Business Development Manager, living in Port St Lucie, Florida.
Neil is a Senior Member of IEEE, Cigre B4 Regular Member for the US National Committee, and is active on several IEEE and Cigre working groups.
Hongbiao Song
Global Technical Tender Leader for Offshore Wind
GE Grid Solutions
Hongbiao Song graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, USA with Ph. D degree in Electrical Engineering in Dec 2006. He worked in Bechtel between Oct 2006 and Jan 2014 as Senior Electrical Engineer involving in many large international and US Oil & Gas (O&G) projects such as LNG, refineries, petrochemical, gasification, pipelines, etc. He worked in GE since Jan 2014 with multiple technical and commercial roles involving large international and US projects such as power generation, utilities, O&G, O&G electrification, offshore wind. He had extensive system domain and equipment domain knowledge so he can lead and coordinate with GE internal teams and external partners from different regions and different organizations to win and execute large projects. He led multiple innovative R&D programs in GE such as Trailer Mounted HV Substation, Containerized HV Substation, Fast Power HV Substation Standardization, Floating Offshore Substation. Hongbiao is currently Global Technical Tender Leader for Offshore Wind in GE Grid Solutions, living in Houston, Texas. He is also a Senior Member of IEEE, Cigre B4 Member for the US National Committee, and is active on Cigre B4.98 working group.
About the GE Vernova Stafford Facility
From Stafford, GE Vernova exports to customers in over 100 countries. The GE Grid Solutions business specializes in grid technologies that support the energy transition in meeting the growing demand for power, upgrading and digitizing ageing infrastructure and integrating renewables as part of a diversified energy mix. The site is renowned for its expertise in HVDC and large complex power transformers, plus as a key hub for upskilling and training on offshore wind and HV products. GE Vernova’s Grid Automation activity integrates cutting-edge software, hardware, and communication technologies to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of electrical grid infrastructure. There is a strong history of manufacturing and pioneering R&D in Stafford, all the way back to 1903 when the very first factory was inaugurated.
Course Completion & Certificate: In order to complete this certificate program, attendees will require a valid email address and physical presence in Stafford, UK. Upon attending at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score (shared during the course) on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met and thus that the certificate holder is well-versed in the subject matter.
This certificate program is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license.
Cancellation policy:
You are eligible for a full refund if you request cancellation within 24 hours of course enrollment. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. Cancellations or deferrals made after the initial 24-hour period but up to two months before the scheduled course date will be eligible for a 50% refund. Due to program demand and the volume of preprogram preparation, no refunds will be issued if cancellation occurs less than two months from the course start date.
Confidentiality of Information:
Information collected by the certificate issuer during the training and certification process is treated as strictly confidential. This information will only be disclosed to third parties under the following conditions:
With the explicit consent of the individual providing the information
When required by law, regulation, or accrediting body
When necessary to verify the authenticity of a certificate or qualification, and only to relevant parties (e.g., employers or regulatory bodies), and in accordance with applicable privacy laws
All data is handled in accordance with our privacy policy and relevant data protection regulations.
The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.