A Comprehensive Review of Offshore Substations: Key Aspects and Trends

Offshore Substations (OS) are critical infrastructure components in energy delivery, particularly for offshore wind farms and other marine renewable energy (RE) sources.They are essential for integrating these renewable sources into the power grid.This work provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in OS through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis.The research process involved identifying relevant academic publications from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, using specific keywords related to OS.A temporal limitation was set, including materials published from 2020 to July 2024.Initial results were filtered to remove duplicates, and after analyzing titles and abstracts, 122 publications were selected for in-depth analysis.This methodology ensured a thorough examination of the technological evolution, advancements in design, materials, and applied technologies.The article also explores the integration of OS with RE sources, such as wind farms, emphasizing success stories and challenges.Key construction aspects, including modular designs, foundations, and construction techniques, are summarized.Best practices for operation and maintenance are reviewed to ensure the longevity and efficiency of OS.Finally, this paper analyzes future trends, addressing emerging technologies like floating substations and their potential integration with other technologies.By summarizing these key aspects, this study aims to serve as a resource for future research and development in the field of OS.