Subsea processing is going to increase dramatically over the next several years. A key component is a reliable power supply for the process loads. Located in a hostile and remote environment, the electrical distribution system will need to be designed according to the highest standards in power engineering ensuring dependable information for control and safe operation, and adaptability to changing operation conditions during the life of the field. A very important means of enhancing availability of the power supply is the possibility to do maintenance. For subsea applications this means the ability to locate where the fault has occurred and to be able to disconnect and retrieve the faulty equipment.
This paper will describe how subsea power distribution can be achieved today based on known and proven technology. Equipment that has an excellent track record for surface processing facilities, installed in enclosures designed for the subsea environment and interconnected using cutting edge technology, will bring subsea processing facilities from the realm of fiction to reality.
