Aker Offshore Wind has outlined plans to utilise Scotland’s first offshore wind underwater substation as part of its bids for offshore windfarms. The subsea solution would be developed, manufactured, and supplied in Scotland by Aker Solutions.Substations are traditionally installed above sea level but moving them down to the seabed might bring several reliability and cost benefits. For example, the seawater can be used as a natural cooling system, while reliability is increased through stable temperatures, fewer components and no rotating parts. In addition, operational costs can decrease by less maintenance and reduced material use. The company would support the delivery of substations from its Aberdeen facilities. The project would be delivered as a part of the ScotWind licensing process, for which Aker Offshore Wind has teamed up with Ocean Winds to submit a series of floating bids which could deliver up to 6,000MW of energy in the Outer Moray Firth.