Prysmian to join force in one of the most important tidal power projects in the
world
The Group will supply the submarine cables to connect in-stream turbines for power
generation using the natural flow of water from tides
Prysmian has been selected together with International Telecom by the Fundy Ocean Research
Centre for Energy (FORCE) as a partner in an
innovative project aimed at exploring the potential of tidal power generation.
Prysmian will design and supply the submarine composite cables for the connection of four tidal
current turbines in the Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotia – Canada). Once the underwater cables are
installed and operating, the generated electricity will be transferred to the shore and connected
to the Nova Scotia power grid. The Bay of Fundy has been identified as the best site in North
America and one of the best in the world for tidal power generation, with a resource potential as
high as 2,000 megawatts, enough power for about 750,000 homes.
Prysmian will provide approximately 11 km of 3-core EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber) insulated
34.5 kV composite submarine cables for the connection of tidal current turbines.
Prysmian has been the pioneer since the beginning of extruded cables technology to
propose EPR insulated cables as the best solution to be used in harsh environments, due to its
excellent performance when dynamic flexibility, water resistance and dielectric characteristics are
required. These are the most significant reasons for Prysmian to propose the use of EPR insulated
cables in medium voltage submarine networks (sea, lakes, rivers), when environmental conditions
require a reliable, long lasting and maintenance-free solution.
The scope of the FORCE project is to test tidal energy devices and their effects, if any, on
the environment and explore the potential of a cleaner, renewable source of energy. After wind and
sun, tides are the ultimate frontier of renewable power that shows great future potential due to
its high predictability.
The FORCE project is a new application for submarine power transmission and distribution
cable systems and further underlines the role of Prysmian as leader in technological
innovation and the Group’s commitment to renewable energies. The order for this project follows the
recent acquisition by Prysmian of two major contracts for the connection to the mainland power grid
of two off-shore wind farms, named HelWin1 and BorWin2. The latter is particularly important
because it sets a number of technological milestones in the industry being the first commercial ±
300 kV DC cable project using extruded technology (highest direct current voltage level ever
reached), the first 800 MW connection to offshore wind parks and the largest VSC system with a
capacity of 800 MW.
The cables and accessories required for the FORCE project will be manufactured at Group’s
submarine cable facility in Arco Felice, Italy. Installation activities will be performed
by International Telecom in the summer of 2011 and the commencement of operation at the
demonstration facility is planned for the fall of 2011.
Prysmian has developed a wide range of state-of-the-art products and technologies for
applications in the renewable energies sector, from wind turbines and solar plants to large high
voltage interconnections systems of new power generation sites. Particularly, Prysmian is acquiring
a pre-eminent role in the development of state-of-the-art submarine cables for power transmission
and
this new contract further proves the validity of the Group’s know-how and
technologies and the commitment to support the development of smarter and greener power
grids.
Web links
Fundy Ocean Research Centre for
Energy
Bay of Fundy (Nova
Scotia-Canada)
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