Global Underwater Hub (GUH) Leading the Way in Subsea Cable Systems for Offshore Wind

Global Underwater Hub (GUH) recently published a white paper outlining its strategy to address a critical issue that could hinder the UK’s clean energy goals. As the trade and development body representing the UK’s £9.2 billion underwater industry, GUH is focused on enhancing the performance and reliability of subsea cable systems, essential components of offshore wind infrastructure that transmit electricity from offshore wind farms to the grid.

The Importance of Subsea Cable Systems

With over $800 billion expected to be invested in offshore wind farms globally by 2030, and the need to increase offshore wind capacity significantly to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the reliability and performance of subsea cables are paramount. In the UK, the government has set ambitious targets of 50GW of installed capacity by 2030.

Neil Gordon, CEO of GUH, emphasized the critical role of subsea cables in achieving clean offshore power ambitions. He highlighted the susceptibility of cables to damage during installation and operation, leading to costly downtime and insurance claims.

GUH’s Approach

GUH has identified cable performance and reliability as key challenges to be addressed, especially with the growing prominence of floating offshore wind, which requires even more complex dynamic cables. By tackling these challenges, GUH aims to make offshore wind projects more economically viable and ensure uninterrupted energy supply.

With the UK’s strong offshore wind capacity and a supportive policy environment, GUH sees an opportunity for the country’s underwater supply chain to lead in subsea cable systems. The Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan has identified electrical systems and cables as areas where the UK can excel, leveraging its expertise from the oil and gas industry.

Driving Innovation and Collaboration

GUH’s White Paper lays out a roadmap for addressing challenges in subsea cable systems and establishing the UK as a center of excellence for floating offshore wind. Through the UK Subsea Cable System Forum, GUH aims to engage the entire supply chain in influencing standards and policies to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness.

The forum will drive innovation in systems-based design, data sharing, and quality control, ultimately positioning the UK as a leader in reliable subsea cable systems for offshore wind. By fostering collaboration and avoiding duplication, the forum will contribute to the development of standards needed for the global floating offshore wind market.

Conclusion

GUH’s holistic approach to tackling subsea cable challenges demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the offshore wind industry in the UK. By leading the way in subsea cable systems, GUH aims to enhance the economic viability of offshore wind projects and accelerate the development of floating offshore wind, ultimately contributing to the country’s clean energy transition and global sustainability efforts.