Prysmian Certifies 525 kV Extruded Subsea HVDC Cable Systems to 90°C, Elevating Bipole Transmission Capacity to 2.5 GW

Prysmian has completed full CIGRE and IEC type-qualification tests on its next-generation ±525 kV extruded XLPE submarine HVDC cable system at an elevated co...

Prysmian Certifies 525 kV Extruded Subsea HVDC Cable Systems to 90°C, Elevating Bipole Transmission Capacity to 2.5 GW

Prysmian has completed full CIGRE and IEC type-qualification tests on its next-generation ±525 kV extruded XLPE submarine HVDC cable system at an elevated conductor operating temperature of 90°C, expanding transmission capacity from 2.0 GW to 2.5 GW per bipole.

A 25% Increase in Power Throughput Without Seabed Expansion

Traditional extruded HVDC subsea cables operate with maximum conductor thermal limits of 70°C to avoid premature dielectric space-charge accumulation and insulation degradation.

By synthesizing an advanced proprietary cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) compound and high-conductivity copper conductors, Prysmian successfully validated 90°C continuous operation, unlocking 2,500 MW throughput on a standard 525 kV bipole link.

Transforming North Sea and Mediterranean Grid Architectures

The qualification delivers immediate benefits to European TSOs developing 2 GW standardized offshore grid hubs, allowing existing seabed cable corridors to transmit an additional 500 MW of renewable power without widening environmental rights-of-way.

Commercial manufacturing will commence across Prysmian’s specialized submarine plants in Arco Felice (Italy) and Pikkala (Finland) for upcoming trans-European subsea interconnectors.