Next generation 132kV subsea cables approved for offshore energy applications
Global subsea cable and umbilical supplier JDR Cable Systems (JDR), part of the TFKable Group, has completed two new type test qualifications at 132kV for static and dynamic array cables. The cables support the next generation of fixed and floating offshore wind projects.
Now testing has been completed, UK-manufactured high-voltage cables can support large turbines and transport power over long distances. This makes offshore wind energy transfer more efficient and cost-effective.
A development grant was provided by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership to support JDR’s static cable development. The cables are tested at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in collaboration with leading material suppliers.
Production is set to take place at JDR’s Hartlepool facility, which was recently upgraded, for the 132kV cables and at their high-voltage cable manufacturing facility in Cambois, Blyth, England.
Joe Cole, technology manager at Power Cables at JDR, said: “We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the energy sector ahead of time and with our 132kV technology, we will do exactly that. Dynamic cables for floating wind and advanced 132kV cable technologies are critical for the progressive deployment of both fixed and floating offshore wind, enabling developers to not only deploy larger turbines but also to site floating offshore wind in deeper waters, further offshore. It’s an exciting time for the industry and we are right at the forefront by developing, validating and delivering new solutions for the benefit of the offshore energy industry and electricity consumers.”
Industry requires significantly higher voltage cables to make the installation of 20MW next-generation offshore wind turbines feasible, as doubling the voltage of the industry standard 66kV array cable allows for higher capacity transmission between turbines. This reduced the cost of energy prices for consumers.
Department of Energy Security and Net-Zero’s offshore wind demonstration programme supported the development of the AHEAD (Advanced High-Voltage Export and Array Dynamic) cable project with a £1.6million grant fund. Testing included over 1.5million tension-bending cycles, ensuring the reliability of the advanced cable design in dynamic motion.
