OGV Group Podcasts

Proserv: Revolutionizing Subsea Cable Monitoring for Offshore Wind FarmsIntroductionIn the latest episode of the "Let's Talk Transition" podcast, host Dan sat down with Callum Maxwell, Business Development Manager at Proserv, to delve into their groundbreaking ECG system. This innovative technology is set to transform subsea cable monitoring in the offshore wind industry. Here's a comprehensive look at their conversation and the insights shared about the future of renewable energy and subsea cable monitoring.Callum Maxwell's Journey into RenewablesCallum Maxwell's journey into the renewable energy sector began with a passion for geography and sustainable development. This interest led him to pursue a degree in applied chemistry at St. Andrews University and a master’s degree in sustainable energy at Glasgow University. After various roles, including a stint in ship management and time at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult), Callum joined Proserv, driven by a shared vision of innovation in offshore wind technology.Transition to Proserv and the Development of ECGAt ORE Catapult, Callum played a pivotal role in identifying and supporting innovative technologies within the renewable sector. His work there facilitated a natural transition to Proserv, where he became instrumental in developing the ECG system. Initially a collaboration project, the ECG system evolved into a robust product aimed at addressing the critical challenges of subsea cable monitoring in offshore wind farms.The ECG System: An OverviewThe ECG system, which stands for Electrical Characterization of Grids, is a comprehensive monitoring solution for subsea array cables in offshore wind farms. It integrates three levels of protection and monitoring to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the wind farm's infrastructure.Electrical Fault Detection and Location: This feature allows for precise fault location within subsea cables, pinpointing issues to an accuracy of less than 100 metres. This significantly reduces the time required to identify and repair faults, enhancing overall operational efficiency.Mechanical Vibration Sensing: This technology provides distributed monitoring of the entire subsea array cable, detecting significant vibrations that could lead to future faults. By addressing these issues early, the system helps prevent potential failures and extends the life of the infrastructure.Distributed Temperature Sensing: Utilising existing fibre optics within the subsea cables, this feature monitors temperature variations, providing another layer of protection and early fault detection.Benefits and Economic ImpactThe ECG system's ability to provide detailed monitoring and early fault detection offers substantial economic benefits. By minimising downtime and repair costs, the system ensures consistent power generation, which is crucial for the profitability and longevity of offshore wind farms. Callum emphasised that the savings from reduced production losses and downtime could run into hundreds of millions of pounds over the lifecycle of a wind farm.Challenges in Subsea Cable ManagementOne of the major challenges in offshore wind is the vulnerability of subsea cables to mechanical stresses and environmental factors. The ECG system addresses these challenges by providing real-time data and early warnings, allowing operators to take proactive measures rather than reacting to major failures. This proactive approach not only saves costs but also enhances the reliability and safety of the wind farm operations.Future Outlook and Industry ChallengesLooking ahead, Callum highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructural bottlenecks, particularly in grid capacity, to support the growing offshore wind sector. He stressed the need for

ScotWind has attracted considerable international investment in the UK Energy Transition. We meet the Directors investing £2.4Bn in the Ayre and Bowdun projects, to find out more about the challenges ahead - and why overcoming them is so important.

Charting the journey from an apprentice in Aberdeen to leading Global offshore survey specialist Unique Group as Chief Operating Officer from the headquarters in the UAE, we meet Martin Charles to discuss the growing role of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in the offshore survey industry and its impact on the energy transition.

Harnessing the Ocean's Power: Subsea Energy Generation Imagine a world where the relentless dance of the waves isn't just a mesmerising spectacle, but a potent source of clean energy. Where the vast expanse of the seabed isn't a silent void, but a bustling hub of communication, relaying critical data from the depths to the surface. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to innovative technologies like subsea power generation.

Learn how the University of Aberdeen takes a cross-disciplinary approach to the energy transition, and in particular about how some of the research done can impact the energy transition, and in especially blue and green hydrogen.

Learn how one SME from the oil & gas industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and diversify into lower carbon sectors. Alex Leddy, Commercial Director - Sustainability from Intervention Rentals on the challenges and opportunities facing SME's in the energy transition.

Mark Munro, Chief Investment Officer of the £2bn Scottish National Investment Bank, on patient investing, making an impact and working alongside the investment community to support and ensure a fair energy transition.

Carlos Rivals, CEO at  BlueFloat Energy, explains why the wind industry is so important to address the climate emergency. Carlos has over 20 years experience working in the offshore wind energy and has been leading the way in this industry. BlueFloat Energy is a nimble and fast-growing offshore wind developer shaping the global energy transformation by bringing scaled decarbonization solutions to new markets. Leveraging our team’s extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind project development and execution, we are at the forefront of the emerging global market for offshore wind.

Gillian Martin, Energy and Environment Minister for Scotland on the importance of Oil & Gas skills to deliver the energy transition, grid access, pumped hydro, and the community benefit of the 28GW Scottish offshore wind projects. Find out about the partnering strategy to develop hydrogen export to Europe, the politics of international interconnectors and the potential contribution of Artificial Intelligence to the Energy Transition.

The Rising and Guiding Stars of the energy transition on the importance of diversity, passion and curiosity in a managed metamorphosis. This episode touches on the secret of attracting the best graduate talent, Blue Hydrogen and the transformational potential of floating offshore wind.