Nexans to supply inter-array cables for 750 MW offshore wind project in the Netherlands

Nexans has announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply 66 kV submarine inter-array cable and associated accessories for Ørsted’s Borssele 1 and 2 wind farms located off the coast of the Netherlands. The cables will span a total length of between 170 km and 190 km of subsea cable rated at a maximum operating voltage of 72.5 kV.

Borssele 1 and 2 are located around 23km off the Dutch coast in 14 to 36 meters of water. Together, the two wind farms will have a total of 94 wind turbines generating 752 MW of power, which is enough electricity to meet the needs of around one million domestic households.

As part of a new five-year framework agreement, Nexans has been awarded a contract by Ørsted to supply and install three-phase 66 kV copper cables with two cross-sections. They will be used for internal cabling of the wind farms: the array cables connect the wind turbines to each other and to the transformer stations where the electricity is transported to the mainland.

In addition to the inter-array cables, Nexans is also providing the relevant fittings and accessories for the project, including T-connectors for the 66 kV cables designed for wind farm application with a standardised, robust and easy plug and screw solution.

The array cables for Borssele 1 and 2 will be produced at the Nexans Germany plant in Hanover for delivery in 2019. After they have been laid in place on the seabed, Nexans Subsea and Land Systems will complete connection to the turbine bases using in-house jointing expertise in 2020. The cable accessories will be supplied by Nexans Euromold facility based in Erembodegem, Belgium.

Borssele 1 and 2 wind farms are scheduled to come online in 2020.