First Off-Shore O-RAN Private Network Delivered

Vilicom, the UK-based wireless telecommunications provider, has announced that it is to provide a cloud-enabled private mobile network for the Moray East wind farm for Vestas.

Currently in its construction phase 20 miles from the Scottish coast, the Moray East wind farm will comprise of 100 V164-9.5 MW units, giving a combined total power output of 950 mW across its 295km2 plot. The turbines, which have been supplied by Vestas, are to generate sufficient power to supply clean energy to approximately 1 million households throughout the UK.

Moray East will bring low-carbon power to the UK, and will continue to support the local area, bolstering economic growth. It will also make a significant contribution towards the UK’s goal for renewable electricity generation and will aid in achieving the UK’s energy security and carbon reduction targets.

“The communications network combines the stability and reliability of 4G technology with the innovations available with 5G. This cloud-enabled network delivering a purpose-built network for Moray East, is designed to ensure minimum infrastructure is deployed offshore, is scalable for future mobile technology evolution and supports the current and future communications needs for people and machines working in this remote and sometimes harsh environment.” explained Group Sales Director, Gearoid Collins.

“The private network is designed to suit the specific requirements of Vestas and will be managed 24/7/365 from our onshore network operations centre. For hundreds of workers this site will be their home and office for months at a time. A reliable high bandwidth network simply makes life and work easier. The network will provide essential communications for the lifetime of the site, ultimately aiding the seamless connection of approximately one million homes to renewable, sustainable energy,” Mr Collins added.

Vilicom has designed the most advanced and innovative network based on cloud network techniques that combine the reliability of always-on IT systems with new innovations in the field of Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and Core Network Function Virtualization.

Vestas Head of IT, Service & Operations Antoine Goodwin said: “Vilicom is an innovative network provider that shares our vision of delivering low-carbon energy through offshore wind in UK waters and beyond. Given the complexity and longevity of the Moray East project, we are pleased that Vilicom’s 4G+ technology could be upgraded to 5G in the future, and with their experience in similar large-scale projects, we are confident they will be able to meet the project requirements; from ideation to delivery.”