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Offshore Wind Export Cables Intelligence Database

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Our Offshore Export Cables Intelligence Database provides detailedanalyses on cable lengths, technology, and number of cables required for each project. With our 4C Offshore Web App software, it enables developers, investors, and consultants in the offshore wind industry to access accurate and up-to-date information on offshore wind cable infrastructure. With 13,760km already installed and growing, this intelligence database provides the insights needed to make informed decisions within the industry.

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The 4C Offshore software is a comprehensive suite of reports, databases and online tools for the offshore wind sector and adjacent industries. 4C Offshore allows us to create our sector-specific subscriptions to help people gather intelligence to inform decisions, for example, our offshore wind farm database subscription. Sector subscriptions are fuelled by wide-reaching data and insights to help organisations make informed decisions.

Subscriptions include:

Sector-specific on- and offline databases
Reports
Newsletters
Online Tools

This enables:

Competitor analysis
Industry analysis
Offshore wind project pipeline opportunity discovery
Resource assessment

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Offshore wind cable database.
Interconnector cable database.
Project details, supply chain and contracts awarded are all listed.
Graphs and charts - market shares for installers and manufacturers.
Charts detailing company activities for global interconnector projects.

4C Offshore marine intelligence software provides you with exclusive access to a range of specialised services, including the Global Offshore Wind Export Cables Database.

Export Cable Overview

Country	Transmission Cable / Status	Converter	Substation(s)	Wind Farm(s)
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-6-1 (BorWin1) Alpha to UW Diele Status: Operational Converter: BorWin1 Substation(s) BARD 1 Substation Windfarm(s) BARD Offshore 1 Read more NOR-6-1 (BorWin1) Alpha to UW Diele	BorWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: BARD 1 Substation	Projects experience BARD Offshore 1	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name BorWin1 cable Status: Operational Converter: BorWin1 Substation(s) BARD 1 Substation Windfarm(s) BARD Offshore 1 Read more BorWin1 cable	BorWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: BARD 1 Substation	Projects experience BARD Offshore 1	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name BorWin2 cable Status: Operational Converter: BorWin2 Substation(s) Deutsche Bucht Substation Veja Mate Offshore Substation (VMOSS) Albatros OTM Windfarm(s) Deutsche Bucht Pilot Park Deutsche Bucht Veja Mate Albatros Read more BorWin2 cable	BorWin2	Substations connected Substations connected: Deutsche Bucht Substation Veja Mate Offshore Substation (VMOSS) Albatros OTM	Projects experience Deutsche Bucht Pilot Park Deutsche Bucht Veja Mate Albatros	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-6-2 (BorWin2) Beta to UW Diele Status: Operational Converter: BorWin2 Substation(s) Deutsche Bucht Substation Veja Mate Offshore Substation (VMOSS) Albatros OTM Windfarm(s) Deutsche Bucht Pilot Park Deutsche Bucht Veja Mate Albatros Read more NOR-6-2 (BorWin2) Beta to UW Diele	BorWin2	Substations connected Substations connected: Deutsche Bucht Substation Veja Mate Offshore Substation (VMOSS) Albatros OTM	Projects experience Deutsche Bucht Pilot Park Deutsche Bucht Veja Mate Albatros	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-2-2 (DolWin1) Alpha to UW Dörpen/West Status: Operational Converter: DolWin1 Substation(s) Borkum Riffgrund I Substation Trianel Phase 1 Substation Windfarm(s) Borkum Riffgrund 1 Trianel Windpark Borkum II Trianel Windpark Borkum I Read more NOR-2-2 (DolWin1) Alpha to UW Dörpen/West	DolWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: Borkum Riffgrund I Substation Trianel Phase 1 Substation	Projects experience Borkum Riffgrund 1 Trianel Windpark Borkum II Trianel Windpark Borkum I	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name DolWin1 cable Status: Operational Converter: DolWin1 Substation(s) Borkum Riffgrund I Substation Trianel Phase 1 Substation Windfarm(s) Borkum Riffgrund 1 Trianel Windpark Borkum II Trianel Windpark Borkum I Read more DolWin1 cable	DolWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: Borkum Riffgrund I Substation Trianel Phase 1 Substation	Projects experience Borkum Riffgrund 1 Trianel Windpark Borkum II Trianel Windpark Borkum I	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-4-1 (HelWin1) Alpha to Büttel Status: Operational Converter: HelWin1 Substation(s) Nordsee Ost Substation Meerwind Ost/Sud Substation Windfarm(s) Nordsee Ost Meerwind Süd/Ost Read more NOR-4-1 (HelWin1) Alpha to Büttel	HelWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: Nordsee Ost Substation Meerwind Ost/Sud Substation	Projects experience Nordsee Ost Meerwind Süd/Ost	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-4-2 (HelWin2) Beta to Büttel Status: Operational Converter: HelWin2 Substation(s) Amrumbank West Substation Kaskasi Substation Windfarm(s) Amrumbank West Kaskasi Read more NOR-4-2 (HelWin2) Beta to Büttel	HelWin2	Substations connected Substations connected: Amrumbank West Substation Kaskasi Substation	Projects experience Amrumbank West Kaskasi	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-3-1 (DolWin2) Beta to UW Dörpen/West Status: Operational Converter: DolWin2 Substation(s) Gode Wind II Substation Gode Wind I Substation Nordsee 1 Substation Windfarm(s) Gode Wind 1 and 2 Nordsee One Read more NOR-3-1 (DolWin2) Beta to UW Dörpen/West	DolWin2	Substations connected Substations connected: Gode Wind II Substation Gode Wind I Substation Nordsee 1 Substation	Projects experience Gode Wind 1 and 2 Nordsee One	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-5-1 (SylWin1) Alpha to Büttel Status: Operational Converter: SylWin1 Substation(s) Dan Tysk Substation Butendiek Substation Sandbank Substation Windfarm(s) DanTysk Butendiek Sandbank Read more NOR-5-1 (SylWin1) Alpha to Büttel	SylWin1	Substations connected Substations connected: Dan Tysk Substation Butendiek Substation Sandbank Substation	Projects experience DanTysk Butendiek Sandbank	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name SylWin2 cable Status: Cancelled Converter: SylWin2 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more SylWin2 cable	SylWin2	No data available	No data available	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-2-3 (DolWin3) Gamma to UW Dörpen/West Status: Operational Converter: DolWin3 Substation(s) Merkur Substation Borkum Riffgrund II Substation Windfarm(s) Merkur Borkum Riffgrund 2 Read more NOR-2-3 (DolWin3) Gamma to UW Dörpen/West	DolWin3	Substations connected Substations connected: Merkur Substation Borkum Riffgrund II Substation	Projects experience Merkur Borkum Riffgrund 2	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name DolWin3 cable Status: Operational Converter: DolWin3 Substation(s) Merkur Substation Borkum Riffgrund II Substation Windfarm(s) Merkur Borkum Riffgrund 2 Read more DolWin3 cable	DolWin3	Substations connected Substations connected: Merkur Substation Borkum Riffgrund II Substation	Projects experience Merkur Borkum Riffgrund 2	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-8-1 (BorWin3) Gamma to UW Emden/Ost Status: Operational Converter: BorWin3 Substation(s) Global Tech I Substation EnBW Hohe See Substation Windfarm(s) Global Tech I Hohe See Read more NOR-8-1 (BorWin3) Gamma to UW Emden/Ost	BorWin3	Substations connected Substations connected: Global Tech I Substation EnBW Hohe See Substation	Projects experience Global Tech I Hohe See	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-7-1 (BorWin5) Epsilon to Cloppenburg Status: Planned Converter: BorWin4 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Nordlicht II N-6.7 Read more NOR-7-1 (BorWin5) Epsilon to Cloppenburg	BorWin4	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Nordlicht II N-6.7	Read more
China	Country: China Cable Name Yellow Sea Converter 1 cable Status: Cancelled Converter: Yellow Sea Converter 1 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Yellow Sea Converter 1 cable	Yellow Sea Converter 1	No data available	No data available	Read more
United States	Country: United States Cable Name New Jersey Energy Link Converter cable Status: Cancelled Converter: New Jersey Energy Link Converter Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more New Jersey Energy Link Converter cable	New Jersey Energy Link Converter	No data available	No data available	Read more
China	Country: China Cable Name Yellow Sea Converter 2 cable Status: Cancelled Converter: Yellow Sea Converter 2 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Yellow Sea Converter 2 cable	Yellow Sea Converter 2	No data available	No data available	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name DolWin5 cable Status: Manufacturing Converter: DolWin5 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Borkum Riffgrund 3 Read more DolWin5 cable	DolWin5	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Borkum Riffgrund 3	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-1-1 (DolWin5) Epsilon to UW Emden/Ost Status: Manufacturing Converter: DolWin5 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Borkum Riffgrund 3 Read more NOR-1-1 (DolWin5) Epsilon to UW Emden/Ost	DolWin5	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Borkum Riffgrund 3	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-3-2 Status: Planned Converter: DolWin4 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.5 Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.6 Read more NOR-3-2	DolWin4	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.5 Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.6	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name DolWin4 cable Status: Planned Converter: DolWin4 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.5 Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.6 Read more DolWin4 cable	DolWin4	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.5 Nordsee Cluster B - N-3.6	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-3-3 (DolWin6) Kappa to Emden /Ost Status: Operational Converter: DolWin6 Substation(s) Gode Wind 3 N-3.7 N-3.8 Windfarm(s) Gode Wind 3 Nordsee Cluster A - N-3.7 Nordsee Cluster A - N-3.8 Read more NOR-3-3 (DolWin6) Kappa to Emden /Ost	DolWin6	Substations connected Substations connected: Gode Wind 3 N-3.7 N-3.8	Projects experience Gode Wind 3 Nordsee Cluster A - N-3.7 Nordsee Cluster A - N-3.8	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name NOR-6-3 Status: Planned Converter: BorWin5 Substation(s) Windfarm(s) EnBW He Dreiht Read more NOR-6-3	BorWin5	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience EnBW He Dreiht	Read more
United States	Country: United States Cable Name NELI Interconnector Converter cable Status: Cancelled Converter: NELI Interconnector Converter Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more NELI Interconnector Converter cable	NELI Interconnector Converter	No data available	No data available	Read more
United States	Country: United States Cable Name NELI Interconnector Converter cable Status: Cancelled Converter: NELI Interconnector Converter Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more NELI Interconnector Converter cable	NELI Interconnector Converter	No data available	No data available	Read more
Belgium	Country: Belgium Cable Name Belgian Offshore Grid A2 Status: Operational Converter: Modular Offshore Grid (MOG) Substation(s) Rentel Substation Seastar Substation Mermaid Substation Northwester 2 Offshore Substation Windfarm(s) Rentel Seamade (SeaStar) Seamade (Mermaid) Northwester 2 Read more Belgian Offshore Grid A2	Modular Offshore Grid (MOG)	Substations connected Substations connected: Rentel Substation Seastar Substation Mermaid Substation Northwester 2 Offshore Substation	Projects experience Rentel Seamade (SeaStar) Seamade (Mermaid) Northwester 2	Read more
Netherlands	Country: Netherlands Cable Name IJmuiden Ver Alpha Status: Planned Converter: IJmuiden Ver Alpha Substation(s) Windfarm(s) IJmuiden Ver Alpha Read more IJmuiden Ver Alpha	IJmuiden Ver Alpha	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience IJmuiden Ver Alpha	Read more
Netherlands	Country: Netherlands Cable Name IJmuiden Ver Beta Status: Planned Converter: IJmuiden Ver Beta Substation(s) Windfarm(s) IJmuiden Ver Beta Read more IJmuiden Ver Beta	IJmuiden Ver Beta	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience IJmuiden Ver Beta	Read more
China	Country: China Cable Name CGN Sheyang H3-4-5 cable Status: Tendering Converter: CGN Sheyang H3-4-5 Substation(s) CGN Sheyang H3 CGN Sheyang H4 CGN Sheyang H5 Windfarm(s) Sheyang South H3 Sheyang Huineng H4 CGN Juzhi Sheyang South H5 Read more CGN Sheyang H3-4-5 cable	CGN Sheyang H3-4-5	Substations connected Substations connected: CGN Sheyang H3 CGN Sheyang H4 CGN Sheyang H5	Projects experience Sheyang South H3 Sheyang Huineng H4 CGN Juzhi Sheyang South H5	Read more
China	Country: China Cable Name Rudong H6, 8, &10 Converter cable Status: Operational Converter: Rudong H6, 8, &10 Converter Substation(s) CGN Rudong H8-Substation CGN H10 Substation CGN H6 Susbstation Windfarm(s) Rudong H8 Rudong H10 Rudong H6 Read more Rudong H6, 8, &10 Converter cable	Rudong H6, 8, &10 Converter	Substations connected Substations connected: CGN Rudong H8-Substation CGN H10 Substation CGN H6 Susbstation	Projects experience Rudong H8 Rudong H10 Rudong H6	Read more
United States	Country: United States Cable Name New Jersey Ocean Grid cable Status: Planned Converter: New Jersey Ocean Grid Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more New Jersey Ocean Grid cable	New Jersey Ocean Grid	No data available	No data available	Read more
Denmark	Country: Denmark Cable Name Energiø Nordsøen cable Status: Planned Converter: Energiø Nordsøen Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Nordsøen - Tender 1 Nordsøen - Tender 3 Nordsøen - Tender 2 Read more Energiø Nordsøen cable	Energiø Nordsøen	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Nordsøen - Tender 1 Nordsøen - Tender 3 Nordsøen - Tender 2	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name LanWin4 (NOR-11-2) cable Status: Planned Converter: LanWin4 (NOR-11-2) Substation(s) Windfarm(s) N-13.1 N-11.2 Read more LanWin4 (NOR-11-2) cable	LanWin4 (NOR-11-2)	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience N-13.1 N-11.2	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name LanWin5 (NOR-13-1) cable Status: Planned Converter: LanWin5 (NOR-13-1) Substation(s) Windfarm(s) N-12.3 N-13.2 Read more LanWin5 (NOR-13-1) cable	LanWin5 (NOR-13-1)	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience N-12.3 N-13.2	Read more
Netherlands	Country: Netherlands Cable Name IJmuiden Ver Gamma cable Status: Planned Converter: IJmuiden Ver Gamma Substation(s) Windfarm(s) IJmuiden Ver Gamma Read more IJmuiden Ver Gamma cable	IJmuiden Ver Gamma	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience IJmuiden Ver Gamma	Read more
Belgium	Country: Belgium Cable Name Princess Elizabeth Island cable Status: Manufacturing Converter: Princess Elizabeth Island Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3 Read more Princess Elizabeth Island cable	Princess Elizabeth Island	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3	Read more
Belgium	Country: Belgium Cable Name Princess Elizabeth Island cable Status: Manufacturing Converter: Princess Elizabeth Island Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3 Read more Princess Elizabeth Island cable	Princess Elizabeth Island	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3	Read more
Belgium	Country: Belgium Cable Name Princess Elizabeth Island cable Status: Manufacturing Converter: Princess Elizabeth Island Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3 Read more Princess Elizabeth Island cable	Princess Elizabeth Island	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3	Read more
Belgium	Country: Belgium Cable Name MOG II HVDC cable Status: Manufacturing Converter: Princess Elizabeth Island Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3 Read more MOG II HVDC cable	Princess Elizabeth Island	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 1 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 2 Princess Elisabeth Zone Lot 3	Read more
United States	Country: United States Cable Name Anbaric Boardwalk Power Link Status: Planned Converter: Boardwalk Power Link Platform Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Anbaric Boardwalk Power Link	Boardwalk Power Link Platform	No data available	No data available	Read more
Germany	Country: Germany Cable Name BalWin4 (NOR-9-3) cable Status: Planned Converter: BalWin4 (NOR-9-3) Substation(s) Windfarm(s) N-10.2 N-9.3 Read more BalWin4 (NOR-9-3) cable	BalWin4 (NOR-9-3)	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience N-10.2 N-9.3	Read more
United Kingdom	Country: United Kingdom Cable Name Morven & Bellrock Shared Connection cable Status: Planned Converter: Morven & Bellrock Shared Connection Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Morven & Bellrock Shared Connection cable	Morven & Bellrock Shared Connection	No data available	No data available	Read more
United Kingdom	Country: United Kingdom Cable Name Dogger Bank 2 cable Status: Planned Converter: Dogger Bank 2 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Dogger Bank 2 cable	Dogger Bank 2	No data available	No data available	Read more
United Kingdom	Country: United Kingdom Cable Name Dogger Bank 2 cable Status: Planned Converter: Dogger Bank 2 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Dogger Bank 2 cable	Dogger Bank 2	No data available	No data available	Read more
United Kingdom	Country: United Kingdom Cable Name Dogger Bank 1 cable Status: Planned Converter: Dogger Bank 1 Substation(s) No data available Windfarm(s) No data available Read more Dogger Bank 1 cable	Dogger Bank 1	No data available	No data available	Read more
France	Country: France Cable Name Sud Atlantique cable Status: Planned Converter: Sud Atlantique Substation(s) Windfarm(s) Sud-Atlantique I Sud-Atlantique II Read more Sud Atlantique cable	Sud Atlantique	Substations connected Substations connected:	Projects experience Sud-Atlantique I Sud-Atlantique II	Read more
China	Country: China Cable Name Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I&II cable Status: Operational Converter: Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I&II Substation(s) Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I substation Windfarm(s) Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou II Read more Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I&II cable	Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I&II	Substations connected Substations connected: Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I substation	Projects experience Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou I Yuedian Yangjiang Qingzhou II	Read more

The Role of Export Cables in Offshore Wind

Export cables play a crucial role in the offshore wind sector, transferring power from offshore wind farms to the onshore grid network. Typically, offshore cables connect to intermediate AC substations or DC converters before being transferred to the onshore grid. However, in some instances, offshore cables can connect to an offshore grid system or alternate end-users such as oil and gas platforms or even industrial facilities.

Export cables come in various forms and sizes, with different technologies being utilised depending on factors such as distance from shore, project capacity, and market requirements. Historically, High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) technology has been the most popular choice for offshore wind cables. However, as offshore wind farms move further from shore and capacity increases, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is increasingly being used.

The distance between the offshore wind farm and the onshore grid network is critical in determining the type of offshore cables required. The longer the distance, the higher the voltage required to reduce power losses during transmission. Additionally, the wind farm's capacity is also a key consideration, as larger wind farms will need more export cables to transfer the power generated.

Installing and maintaining offshore cables can be challenging and costly, with harsh marine environments and varying seabed conditions adding to the complexity. Ensuring that the cables are installed correctly and maintained to the highest standard is essential for offshore wind farms' efficient and reliable operation.

Export Cable data

To successfully operate in the offshore wind sector, renewable energy experts require access to a wide range of data related to export cables. By utilising this data, experts can make informed decisions that optimise export cables' performance, safety, and longevity.

This is a list of types of data you might need to know about offshore wind cables, along with examples of each:

Cable specifications

Length: e.g., 100km, 200km, 400km
Diameter: e.g., 100mm, 200mm, 300mm
Type: e.g., XLPE, PEX, EPR
Voltage rating: e.g., 33kV, 66kV, 132kV

Environmental data

Seabed topography: e.g., sand, gravel, rock
Soil types: e.g., clay, silt, sand
Water depth: e.g., 10m, 20m, 50m
Wave heights: e.g., 2m, 4m, 6m
Currents: e.g., 1m/s, 2m/s, 3m/s

Regulatory requirements

Permits and licences required for cable installation and operation
Compliance with national and international standards and regulations, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001

Project planning data

Project timelines and milestones for cable installation and operation
Budgets and costs associated with cable installation and operation

Cable installation data

Installation methods: e.g., ploughing, trenching, jetting
Equipment required: e.g., cable laying vessels, subsea trenchers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
Personnel required: e.g., cable engineers, ROV operators, cable jointers

Maintenance and repair data

Procedures and equipment required for cable maintenance and repair, such as cable jointing and splicing equipment
Maintenance schedules and plans for cable inspection and testing

Performance data

Power losses: e.g., 0.5%/km, 1%/km, 2%/km
Cable temperature: e.g., 60°C, 70°C, 80°C
Insulation resistance: e.g., 100MΩ, 200MΩ, 500MΩ

Monitoring data

Environmental and operational conditions of the cables, such as water ingress and cable tension
Real-time monitoring of cable performance, such as power output and cable temperature

Incident data

Data on any incidents, such as cable failures or damage, that occur during the installation or operation of the offshore wind farm
Information on the causes of cable failures, such as corrosion or physical damage

Cost data

Cost of cable installation, maintenance, and repair
Potential economic impact of cable failures or downtime, such as lost revenue and increased maintenance costs.

Solution

The solution to this challenge is establishing clear regulations and technical standards for cross-border transmission and promoting cooperation between countries.

Export Cable Innovation

Recent innovations in offshore transmissions export cables in the sector have focused on improving their efficiency, durability and resilience in harsh marine environments.

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables are more efficient than traditional High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cables in transmitting electricity over long distances. HVDC cables use a smaller amount of copper and aluminium, reducing the cable's weight and cost while also reducing power losses during transmission. For instance, the Hornsea One wind farm in the UK uses 400-kV HVDC cables capable of transmitting 1.2 GW of electricity over a distance of 120 km to the onshore grid.

Materials

Use of lightweight, high-strength materials in cable design. For example, some manufacturers use carbon fibre, which is stronger and lighter than traditional materials like steel. This allows for a smaller diameter cable, which reduces weight and cost and makes the installation process more manageable.

Sensors

Some manufacturers are incorporating sensors into the cable design to monitor and detect any damage or changes in the cable's condition. These sensors use fibre-optic technology to detect temperature changes, strain, and other factors that could indicate potential issues. By detecting issues early, repair and maintenance can be performed promptly, reducing the risk of failure and associated downtime.

Robotics

Some companies are exploring robotic technology for cable installation and maintenance. These robots can be used to perform tasks like seabed preparation, cable laying, and repair without the need for human intervention. For instance, the Dutch company, VandeGrijp, has developed a robot called the Cable Laying Aid (CLA), which can be used to lay and bury cables up to 2 metres below the seabed.

Related Resources

Explore more information about the global offshore wind industry with the following related resources from 4C Offshore's team of experts

Global Offshore Wind Farm Database

Global Offshore Wind Speed Rankings

Global Offshore Wind Farm Map

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