Prysmian starts the installation of SuedOstLink HVDC cable project in Germany

Prysmian has launched the HVDC cable installation for SuedOstLink this October. The joint base is located approx. 270 km from Isar at the northernmost point of the Bavarian SuedOstLink part, to deliver reliable and sustainable power transmission, confirming its strategic role in the shift towards a low-carbon economy and to drive the energy transition forwards with smarter, more reliable, and more sustainable solutions.

The project was awarded to Prysmian by the German grid operator TenneT TSO GmbH with the assignment to deliver a 525 kV HVDC underground cable system with transmittable power of more than 2 GW on a single system. The cables have been produced at the Gron plant (France), one of Prysmian’s center of excellence for underground cables. Prysmian’s subcontractor partners are also part of the project’s execution.

The SuedOstLink project utilizes P-Laser insulation technology, which is proprietary of Prysmian and allows for higher power transmission capacity. This technology is suited for the highest voltage levels delivering enhanced thermal performance and high intrinsic reliability that enable more flexible and sustainable solutions. The advantage of P-laser technology allows greater efficiency of power transmission which helps make a significant impact to reduce the loss of energy during the transmission phase which can help make major transmission projects more economically and sustainable.

A further important advantage is that the material is fully recyclable. Sustainability is a hallmark of Prysmian and the SuedOstLink project is firmly anchored to this approach. Sustainability is an all-encompassing topic that influences the entire life cycle of every product and system, and in order to achieve the highest possible standards from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of the finished project, from supplier selection to strict quality testing and certification. We do so by keeping in mind the benefits for our ultimate customers: the communities of Germany who will have access to clean, safe and enhanced power to feed their businesses and homes.

Prysmian’s global leadership in the HVDC field relies on knowledge gained from many years of experience in different aspects of cable manufacturing. Thanks to in-house R&D, material compounding and HVDC testing laboratories, time needed for the whole production process is also a key aspect.

Underground HVDC cables present several benefits to energy final users and communities living where they are installed. Firstly, they help preserve landscapes and limit visual obstructions. In addition, these cables are less likely to be impacted by increasingly common extreme weather since they are more protected, therefore require lower maintenance. After the landscape has recovered, following the installation of the underground cable system, the new transmission line will be practically invisible in any open countryside for its entire lifespan of over 40 years.

Prysmian is also playing a key role in developing several energy cable projects that will transport the clean energy generated by wind power of the northern shores of Germany to the industry intensive south of the country. The innovative land interconnection projects, SuedLink, SuedOstLink, A-Nord, DC34, DC31, offshore wind farms such as Balwin 1 and Balwin 2, Dolwin 5, Dolwin 4/ Borwin 4, Ijmuiden ver-Alpha and Nederwiek 1, Nor 11-1 and submarine interconnection NeuConnect, will support Europe’s energy transition and will contribute to achieving decarbonization goals.

Prysmian has also successfully started the installation of SuedLink, the first 525 kV HVDC underground cable with XLPE insulation to be installed in the world.