Global Underwater Hub (GUH) has published a white paper detailing its strategy to enhance the performance and reliability of subsea cable systems, which are essential for transmitting electricity from offshore wind farms to the grid.
Representing the United Kingdom’s underwater industry, valued at £9.2 billion, GUH focuses on addressing the challenges posed by cable damage during installation and operation that lead to costly downtime and insurance claims. The white paper outlines the critical role of reliable cable systems, especially as the offshore wind sector is set to receive over $800 billion of global investment by 2030 and requires an increase in generating capacity by 1,120 GW worldwide by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions. In the UK, government targets include reaching 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
The document further identifies the complexities associated with floating offshore wind, which demand more advanced and dynamic cable solutions. To address these issues, GUH is establishing the UK Subsea Cable System Forum. This forum will develop a collaborative roadmap with industry partners, aiming to influence standards and policies while enhancing system-based design, data sharing, and quality control. These measures are intended to support the economic viability of offshore wind projects and reinforce the UK's position as a centre of excellence in subsea cable systems.
