HOPE – Lupiae Maris Wind Farm

Location: Adriatic Sea, 30km East of Brindisi, Italy

The HOPE project represents a significant advancement in renewable energy infrastructure for the Adriatic Sea region. Commissioned by LUPIE MARIS s.r.l., a joint venture between Galileo and Hope Group s.r.l., this ambitious offshore wind development aims to establish a new generation facility approximately 30 kilometers east of Brindisi, Italy.

TECON was engaged by ESE Engineering Services for Energy S.r.l. to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the offshore substation, a critical component that will serve as the central hub for power collection and transmission. The project showcases TECON’s expertise in complex marine engineering solutions, combining structural integrity with electrical infrastructure requirements in challenging offshore conditions.

Project Scope

The Lupiae Maris wind farm zone is designed with a total transmission capacity of 525MW, comprising 35 wind turbines, each with a 15MW generation capacity. The electrical energy produced at 66kV will be collected and transmitted to shore through a sophisticated fixed offshore substation located in 105 meters of water depth, utilizing high-voltage export cables operating at 380kV.

Offshore Substation Structure

• Topsides Platform: Lift-installed structure measuring L45m × W25m × H35m with an approximate weight of 5,000 metric tons, housing high-voltage switching and transformation equipment, auxiliary facilities, and accommodation modules
• Jacket Substructure: Four-legged steel jacket foundation with an estimated weight of 3,000 metric tons, designed to withstand extreme marine environmental conditions
• Foundation System: Eight driven piles (96-inch outer diameter), with two piles per jacket leg, connected via standard grouted pile sleeve connections ensuring structural stability
• Cable Infrastructure: Nine pre-installed J-tubes integrated into the jacket structure for routing 66kV inner array cables from wind turbines and 380kV export cables to shore

Electrical Systems Integration

• Voltage transformation infrastructure converting 66kV generated power to 380kV for efficient long-distance transmission
• High-voltage switchgear and protection systems ensuring reliable power distribution and grid connectivity
• Coordination of inner array cable systems connecting 35 wind turbines to the central platform
• Export cable routing systems for onshore power delivery

Engineering Approach

TECON’s feasibility study encompassed a holistic evaluation of both structural and electrical components, addressing the unique challenges of offshore infrastructure in the Adriatic Sea environment. The engineering methodology integrated advanced structural analysis techniques with electrical system optimization to ensure the platform’s reliability, safety, and operational efficiency throughout its design life.

The study examined foundation design considerations for the 105-meter water depth, accounting for seabed conditions, pile-soil interaction, and environmental loading scenarios including waves, currents, and seismic events. Special attention was given to the integration of electrical equipment within the marine environment, ensuring proper protection against corrosion, humidity, and salt spray while maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations.