Product Technology Innovation

As high voltage (HV) and submarine transmission lines increase in length and depth, along with rising power ratings, the challenges faced by cables and systems are also growing. Our goal is to ensure that there are no distances too great to cover, no depths too deep to reach, and no limits to the voltage that can be transmitted. That’s why we are committed to innovation.

Prysmian is currently developing Ultra High Voltage (UHV) DC systems to create an 800 kV extruded solution that will complement our existing 600 kV offerings. The deepest cable installed to date has reached a depth of 1.6 km, but we are working on a system designed to reach depths of 3,000 m—almost doubling current capabilities.

We are also challenging the traditional limits associated with offshore wind farm cable applications. Our goal is to expand the variety of cables available and increase the power capacity each cable can carry from farms to shore, for both HVAC and HVDC systems. While we currently offer the highest-voltage three-core AC cables on the market at 245 kV, we aim to provide capabilities up to 420 kV.

Additionally, we are innovating for a more sustainable future by implementing designs that reduce power dissipation—or "power losses"—which commonly occur during energy transmission. For example, our 66 kV inter-array cables offer significant sustainability benefits compared to the more common 33 kV counterparts.

How?

More unit power is provided to reduce the number of turbines and associated array cables, consequently reducing the cable and installation costs.
Because fewer cables are entering the offshore substation in question, the number of J-tubes, transformers and switches, as well as the space these items require can be reduced.
Our 66 kV inter-array cables are approved by the Carbon Trust Offshore Wind Accelerator Programme.

Our rigorously tested dynamic cables are revolutionizing the wind service industry. Specifically designed for use with floating windmills in deep waters, these cables can withstand mechanical fatigue throughout the system's entire lifespan.

We are committed to investing in, developing, and mastering efficient engineering processes and cutting-edge products and services. Our goal is to improve logistical efficiency and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for our customers.

Currently, we are developing higher power ratings for High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) Land Systems applications by increasing both the voltage level and conductor size, expanding up to 4,000 mm².

Additionally, our smart monitoring systems are advancing rapidly. We now offer cables and cable systems that come with integrated sensors. These sensors optimize asset utilization, monitor temperature, detect partial discharges, and assess mechanical strain, enabling quicker identification of cable faults.

Always aiming to deliver the highest value to our customers, we are also developing an online fault-location feature that will further enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of system monitoring to meet their evolving needs.