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Denmark-headquartered power cable manufacturer and installation player NKT is raising the bar for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable technology with a newly qualified 525 kV extruded XLPE subsea cable system for operation at 90°C, boosting transmission capability and the firm’s HVDC portfolio for offshore wind, hybrid interconnectors, and future cross-continent transmission lines.
NKT has launched a fully qualified 525 kV HVDC power cable system capable of continuous operation at conductor temperatures up to 90°C, which enables increased transmission capability. This achievement is seen as a significant advancement in the company’s development of next-generation high-voltage cable technology.
The fully qualified cable system gives transmission operators greater flexibility in how HVDC cable systems are designed and operated, as the higher temperature capability can be used to support higher transmission capacity, reduce material consumption, and optimize overall system efficiency, depending on project requirements.
Anders Jensen , Chief Technology Officer at NKT, commented: “The higher temperature capability increases the power transmission capacity while giving customers greater flexibility in how they design and optimise their cable systems. With this advancement, we can help our customers increase transmission capacity with cost-efficient solutions that can be deployed within existing HVDC infrastructure.”
NKT’s 90 °C technology portfolio includes power cables with voltage levels of up to 525 kV HVDC for both onshore and offshore installation, as well as power cable accessories. The new power cable system supports the growing demand for efficient, reliable, and high-performing HVDC systems for offshore wind, hybrid interconnectors, and future cross-continent transmission lines.
Bart Verheule , Vice President Marketing, Energy, Borouge International, emphasized: “As a global technology leader in advanced polymer solutions for extruded cable systems, Borouge International brings a strong track record in power transmission infrastructure, as well as extensive innovation capabilities and deep technical expertise.
“The qualification of LE0650DC, our new semiconductive material developed as part of our long-term collaboration with NKT, marks another important milestone in advancing HVDC cable technology.”
The increased operating temperature is based on the Danish player’s technology platform and enabled by an upgrade of the insulation system.
The inner and outer semiconductive layers have been redesigned using a new material developed and qualified in a joint project with material partner Borouge International (formerly Borealis).
This enhancement forms the core of the improved thermal performance of the cable system and supports the long-term reliability and robustness required for critical transmission infrastructure, according to NKT.
The Denmark-headquartered player is set on optimizing its offering to the underwater industry, as demonstrated by the launch of this 90 °C technology, which comes only days after progress was disclosed in bringing the company’s new subsea trencher closer to final assembly and the first round of testing.