HVDC Control System Modernization for Offshore Wind

ABB and TenneT have completed a distributed control system (DCS) modernization on the DolWin beta offshore HVDC platform in the North Sea, upgrading automation and safety functions for offshore wind power transmission.

Context of the Cooperation
TenneT operates the DolWin offshore grid connections, which transmit electricity from offshore wind farms to the onshore transmission network using high-voltage direct current technology. ABB acted as technology partner for the modernization of the automation and safety infrastructure on the DolWin beta platform, part of the DolWin2 connection system.

The cooperation addressed operational risks linked to aging control hardware and obsolete third-party fire detection systems. Offshore platforms require long service intervals, high availability, and compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations, making coordinated system upgrades essential.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The project centered on upgrading the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system, which manages process automation, safety functions, and system monitoring on the platform. ABB supplied and integrated servers, network switches, firewalls, controllers, communication interfaces, backup systems, and a new fire detection and safety system.

System 800xA’s modular architecture allowed the replacement of controllers while retaining existing terminal units and network infrastructure. This reduced physical modifications and limited downtime, a critical factor in offshore environments.

Fire Safety and Cybersecurity Improvements
A key driver of the modernization was the replacement of an obsolete fire detection system. The new configuration integrates fire detection directly into the DCS, enabling consistent alarm handling and coordinated emergency shutdown logic. This improves personnel safety and reduces the risk of prolonged outages caused by fire-related incidents.

Cybersecurity was enhanced through updated system software and the use of ABB’s Cyber Security Workplace framework. The upgraded system aligns with the requirements of the European NIS2 directive, strengthening network segmentation, access control, and lifecycle security management.

Deployment and Collaboration
The upgrade involved factory acceptance testing in Germany, followed by offshore commissioning. ABB and TenneT teams coordinated testing, integration, and commissioning activities across Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. Remote testing and detailed pre-planning reduced offshore execution time and operational disruption.

Results and Outlook
The modernization extends the operational lifetime of DolWin beta by at least a decade while improving safety integrity, cybersecurity compliance, and system reliability. Reuse of existing infrastructure supports resource efficiency and reduces material replacement.

The completed project provides the technical basis for a similar DCS modernization planned for the DolWin alpha platform, supporting stable operation of offshore wind grid connections within Europe’s evolving digital infrastructure and industrial automation landscape.

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