TenneT Picks NKT & Prysmian for World’s Largest Offshore Cable Systems

By: Chloe Emanuel 03/03/2023 TenneT

Cables General

TenneT has announced the award of what is being hailed as the world’s first 525 kV XLPE HVDC offshore cable connections systems for five Dutch 2 GW projects. The Transmission system operator stated that this is the next step in realising the new 2 GW standard.

Tim Meyerjürgens, COO TenneT says: “Recent geopolitical developments have again underlined the need to invest in electricity transmission, to ensure energy security by accelerating the energy transition. We are proud that we developed this new offshore grid solution together with the market. Our qualification programme has shown that cable suppliers are on track for this new offshore connection standard. By realising the world’s first 525 kV XLPE HVDC offshore cable systems to connect 2 GW projects, TenneT reconfirms its front runner position in offshore grid development and its commitment to deliver on the joint ambition to develop the North Sea into the green power plant of Europe.”

NKT will realise the cable connections for IJmuiden Ver Beta, IJmuiden Ver Gamma and Nederwiek 2, landing onshore at Maasvlakte (Port of Rotterdam). Prysmian has been awarded a contract for the cable connections of IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1, landing onshore at Sloegebied (Zeeland). The scope of work in the contracts includes design, engineering, production, delivery, project management, offshore-, nearshore- and inshore installation of 525 kV HVDC cables and all jointing works in submarine and land sections.

The selected parties expect to start activities this year. Onshore cable laying activities are predicted to start in 2025 and offshore cable laying activities are expected to start in 2026. All projects are expected to be in operation between 2028 and 2030.

To reduce the carbon footprint, suppliers will use recycled copper. To meet these standards, cable suppliers will invest in new production capacity, vessels and trenching tools when needed.

A 2 GW direct current (HVDC) solution, based on 525 kV, requires only one cable system, limiting the impact on the environment and the surroundings. One cable system will consist of four cables, a 'plus' and 'minus' pole cable, a metallic return cable and a fibre optic cable.

TenneT together with market parties started developing a research and development (R&D) initiative for a 2 GW, 525 kV XLPE HVDC grid connection system in 2020.

To transport the required 2GW power, an offshore cable system operating at a voltage level 525 kV HVDC using extruded insulation types is needed. With a design and layout study for the offshore platform a generic platform was designed, to enable interoperability of the proprietary solutions offered by all HVDC suppliers participating in the R&D phase. The interaction between TenneT and the market parties involved has resulted in providing insights on the required functionality and performance of the HVDC system and led to certification of cable suppliers in 2022.

In the Esbjerg Declaration during May 2022 at the North Sea Energy Summit; Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium agreed to jointly install at least 65 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. TenneT aims to account for almost two-thirds of this with 40 GW, 20 GW each in the German and Dutch North Seas.

In the upcoming months, TenneT expects to announce the partners for the Framework agreements of the 2 GW HVDC suppliers for Dutch and German 2GW projects and partners for the Framework agreement for cable connections of other 2 GW projects.

For more information on interconnector projects worldwide, click here

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