Construction Begins on BalWin Delta Offshore HVDC Platform in Indonesia
TenneT has officially launched construction of the BalWin Delta offshore converter platform, marking a major milestone in Europe’s next wave of large-scale HVDC grid connections. The start of block production for the topside was celebrated this week in Batam, Indonesia, with a festive ceremony attended by project partners and local dignitaries.
A New Era for Offshore HVDC
BalWin Delta is a key component of the BalWin4 offshore grid connection system and is scheduled for installation in the North Sea in 2028. Once operational, the platform will deliver up to 2 GW of clean wind power from sea to shore, equivalent to the output of two conventional power plants. This significant capacity underscores the rapid scaling of Europe’s offshore transmission ambitions and the growing importance of HVDC technology in enabling the continent’s energy transition.
Engineering Feats and International Collaboration
The BalWin Delta topside is an engineering marvel:
- Weighing approximately 30,000 tonnes—about the same as 750 fully loaded trucks
- Standing 46 meters high, comparable to a 15-storey building
- Measuring 110 meters in length and 77 meters in width, slightly larger than a football field
- Being manufactured by a workforce of up to 6,000 skilled professionals
The construction is managed by a consortium of GE Vernova and McDermott International, Ltd, both recognized for their expertise in HVDC systems and offshore platform delivery. The project highlights the critical role of international collaboration and innovation in advancing Europe’s offshore grid infrastructure.
From Ceremony to Production
While a symbolic steel-cutting ceremony took place in February, the current milestone marks the commencement of actual block production for the topside structure. This phase is crucial for maintaining the project’s timeline, with installation in the North Sea slated for 2028 and commissioning planned for the end of 2029.
Driving the Energy Transition
BalWin Delta is part of TenneT’s ambitious program to expand offshore grid capacity and support the integration of renewable energy at scale. The platform will play a pivotal role in delivering wind-generated electricity to the European grid, supporting climate targets and strengthening energy security.
