Prysmian has completed testing and is ready to launch the new global standard for high voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cable systems qualifying the use of 525kV submarine energy cables at an increased operating temperature of up to 90°C.

This breakthrough, which is founded on the higher withstand temperature of the cable plastic insulation while operating, means that the maximum power that can be transmitted through a single 525kV link increases from today’s standard of 2GW to 2.5GW – and this power can already be deployed in the existing HVDC network infrastructure, with no impacts on the rest of the system. This is a significant boost for operational efficiency, as higher power transfers can be made without increasing voltage or converter and platform sizes, enabling more efficient power transmission in multi-terminal grids and hybrid interconnectors – combining long-distance energy transmission and offshore wind generation in a single and better utilized asset.

Raul Gil, EVP Transmission at Prysmian: “Thanks to this innovation, quite simply, we can make the essential energy projects that modern electricity connections need, more affordable. That should then over time pass into people’s wallets as we cut energy bills. And this is not a trick to keep bills down through subsidy, but a real long-term sustainable solution. This is good news for anyone paying for their energy bills, and our customers, and governments around the world should be celebrating this achievement as much as we are.”

Srinivas Siripurapu, Chief R&D, Sustainability and Innovation Officer at Prysmian: “The result of this breakthrough is one everyone will appreciate – a more affordable energy transition as the increased efficiency can become real cost savings for consumers. Thanks to this breakthrough we can transfer more energy in a more effective way, and plug-in this into existing high voltage DC networks. This technology is not only a European first but also sets the global standard of what is possible for submarine energy cables.”

525kV 90 °C HVDC submarine cable systems and what they unlock

525kV submarine cables are at the heart of major projects, including cross-country interconnectors and export connections for offshore windfarms. Thanks to the capabilities of the new 525kV 90°C technology, there is the potential to transfer energy to power up to 2.5 million homes, an increase of over 500,000 homes in respect to the previous generation of 525kV system technology – an example of how a breakthrough in technology makes the energy transition and energy security more efficient and economically affordable, and are fully in line with new hybrid projects, such as those announced for the North Sea.