Cable and Connector Manufacturers Meeting Demand for Subsea Cables and Connectors
Cable and connector manufacturers are rushing to meet the growing demand for subsea cables and connectors as renewables upscale, but whether it’s renewables or oil and gas, there’s also growing demand for high-tech subsea communications.
The export cables that bring offshore wind power to shore are already so massive that one meter of cable can weigh 300kg. Nexans had previously upscaled its production facilities to cater for increasing demand; now it is upscaling its HVDC cables, typically 400kV, to 525kV. The company will be supplying at least 10 of these cable systems to European grid operator TenneT for multiple 2GW projects.
The cables will be heavier, and they have the potential to get hotter, necessitating deeper burial in the seabed. The potential risks can be a determining factor in the design of the cable. If a live cable were to be damaged, says Pascal Radue, EVP for Power Transmission at Nexans, the power released would be like that of bringing a French high-speed train travelling at 350 kilometers an hour to a standstill in 50 meters.
Challenges and Innovations in Subsea Connectivity
Tidal energy systems face similar challenges to offshore wind, with the harsh constant motion of tidal areas a key challenge. SMI recently took part in the upscaling of a tidal system in Japan led by system integrator Proteus Marine Renewables. Here the durability, longevity, and reliability of the cabling system were critical to success.
Glen Richardson, Engineering Director at SMI, emphasizes the importance of water resistance in subsea cables. Polyethylene-based polymer cables have demonstrated exceptional subsea performance, maintaining durability for over 25 years with minimal degradation.
Jonathan Hardisty, Head of Product Development for Subsea Products at Siemens Energy, highlights the need for higher power transmission in the subsea connector business. Siemens Energy is developing a 66kV subsea wet-mate connector system to target subsea electrification and floating offshore wind energy markets.
Advancements in Subsea Connectivity Technologies
Siemens Energy is also introducing a high-performance fiber optic wet-mate connector for subsea networks, supporting oil and gas and future offshore wind applications. Efforts are being made to digitalize connectivity products and enhance asset management capabilities.
Teledyne Impulse-PDM specializes in high-performance subsea fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems. The company’s latest developments in optical expanded beam technology are designed to withstand extreme marine environments and offer enhanced resilience to dust and misalignment during installation.
Future Trends and Projects in Subsea Connectivity
BIRNS has opened a new extreme depth hydrostatic pressure testing facility for precision testing of fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies at 6km depth. Space Norway has announced SubCom as the contractor for the 2,350km subsea fiber optic Arctic Way Cable System located within the Arctic Circle.
Meta has announced Project Waterworth, the world’s longest 24 fiber pair cable project spanning over 50,000km. This project aims to maximize cable laid in deep water and use enhanced burial techniques to avoid damage in high-risk fault areas.