Global Underwater Hub Launches Initiative to Enhance Subsea Cable Reliability for Offshore Wind Development

Global Underwater Hub (GUH) has introduced a new program aimed at addressing the reliability of subsea cables, a crucial element in offshore wind development, as the UK strives to achieve its clean energy goals. The industry organization, which represents the UK’s underwater sector valued at £9.2 billion, has released a white paper outlining the necessity for enhanced performance of subsea cable systems essential for transmitting electricity from offshore wind farms to the grid.

GUH highlights the significance of cable reliability in light of the projected global investments in offshore wind exceeding $800 billion by 2030 and the need for a 1,120 GW increase in generating capacity by 2050 to meet net-zero targets. The UK government’s target of 50 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 further emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

“The performance and reliability of these cables are crucial to delivering the UK’s clean offshore power ambition and global net-zero targets,” stated Neil Gordon, CEO of GUH. He emphasized the susceptibility of subsea cables to damage during installation and operation, leading to significant insurance claims and costly downtime.

As the scope of floating offshore wind projects expands, introducing complex dynamic cables, GUH has identified cable reliability as a major risk affecting project economics and energy security.

“Cable reliability not only enhances the economic viability of offshore wind projects but also ensures uninterrupted energy supply, making it essential to developers, investors, the industry, and the entire country reliant on the power transmitted through these cables,” Gordon added.

GUH’s white paper aligns with the 2024 Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan, which prioritizes future electrical systems and cables for UK industry leadership. With an extensive offshore wind pipeline and a history of engineering solutions for complex offshore energy ventures, the UK is poised to address challenges such as cable reliability, supply chain constraints, and cost escalation.

“Unlike fixed offshore wind, floating offshore wind lacks established standards and supply chains. Leveraging decades of experience in offshore oil and gas, the UK has an opportunity to pioneer a new generation of products and services that will drive the growth of floating offshore wind projects,” explained Gordon.

GUH is launching the UK Subsea Cable System Forum to drive progress in influencing policy, enhancing quality control, and establishing necessary standards for offshore wind cable systems. Through collaboration across the supply chain, the forum aims to develop innovative approaches in system-based design, data sharing, and risk mitigation strategies.

“This initiative will position the UK as a leading authority in reliable subsea cable systems, enhancing the economic feasibility of offshore wind projects and expediting the development of floating offshore wind,” concluded Gordon.

In December 2024, GUH urged the UK government to acknowledge the industry’s scale and potential and implement an industrial strategy to bolster investor confidence.