The imperative to decarbonize the energy sector has accelerated the expansion of renewable energy sources, notably offshore wind power, and driven the need for reducing emissions related to industries like Oil and Gas (O&G). The electrification of O&G platforms through Power-From-Shore (PFS) systems and the integration of offshore wind via Power-to-Shore (P2S) both depend on efficient and reliable submarine transmission technologies. This study aims to provide a technological review and a comparative assessment of the three technologies that are frequently analyzed in recent studies in the field of offshore power transmission: High-Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC), High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), and Low-Frequency Alternating Current (LFAC), analyzing their suitability for both PFS (O&G electrification) and P2S (offshore wind integration) scenarios. The analysis highlights that HVAC is cost-effective for short distances (typically below 120 km) but is constrained by the high capacitive charging current of submarine cables, which requires costly reactive compensation. HVDC, utilizing Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology (like the Modular Multilevel Converter, MMC), emerges as the superior solution for bulk power transfer over long distances (generally exceeding 100 km offshore), as it is unaffected by cable reactances. LFAC is a promising alternative for intermediate distances, mitigating reactive power issues by operating at a reduced frequency, which can potentially avoid the need for an offshore converter platform in P2S applications. However, LFAC requires larger, heavier, and more expensive transformers. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the challenge of developing floating and subsea Offshore Substation (OSS) concepts—essential for deep-water projects—which requires focused research on high-voltage dynamic cables and component qualification.
Micena et al. (Thu,) studied this question.