European transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT has asked eight cable companies to develop “next level” subsea cabling systems for a number of 2GW high voltage director (HVDC) lines to connect future offshore wind megaprojects in the North Sea to the Dutch and German power grid.

Along with eight already-planned 700MW grid links, the TSO now also needs two 2GW connections for the massive 4GW Ijmuiden Far zone off the Netherlands that is slated to host four offshore wind sites to be auctioned off in 2023-26. A first platform for Ijmuiden Far is expected to be ready in 2027, and the second in 2029.

TenneT also plans another three 2GW grid links for Germany’s LanWin and BalWin areas that are supposed to push the TSO’s offshore wind grid link capacity in Europe’s largest economy to 17GW.

“A 2GW offshore wind grid link does, however, not exist yet,” TenneT said in a statement. “Innovation is necessary and TenneT has asked cable suppliers to develop these ‘next level’ subsea cable systems.”

TenneT in a presentation said 2GW as opposed to 700MW offshore platforms will lower overall grid connection costs as fewer cables are needed. Also, there will be less spatial and environmental impact.

The TSO said the development programme should result in certified HVDC cable systems it can adapt to the Ijmuiden Far, BalWin and LanWin projects with a voltage of 525 kilowatt hours.

The companies contacted by TenneT are: Greece’s Hellenic Cables, Korea’s LS Cable & System, Norway’s Nexans, China’s Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables, Sweden’s NKT HV Cables, Italy’s Prysmian, Japan’s Sumitomo, and China’s Zhongtian Technology Submarine Cable.

“It is very positive to see that several international cable suppliers are taking part in this programme,” TenneT offshore project director Marco Kuijpers said.

“It shows that the sector is eager to innovate jointly to achieve a new standard for subsea cable systems that considerably reduce the costs for society.”

TenneT expects that the 525kV HVDC undersea cable systems to be certified in 2022.

UPDATES to add details from TenneT presentation

Wind

TenneT asks cable makers for 'next level' technology for offshore wind megaprojects