Power cable manufacturer NKT has commenced the installation of a 518km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power cable system for TenneT’s SuedLink project.

The 525kV cables will link northern Germany’s renewable energy sources to southern industrial regions.

TenneT chief operations officer Tim Meyerjürgens stated: “With the cable pull-in, SuedLink is becoming a reality. Today’s milestone marks significant progress towards ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for Germany.

“The pull-in of the first 37km of the 700km route makes it clear: SuedLink is under construction and will now become visible along the cable route.”

SuedLink, which is expected to cost around $11bn, is integral to Germany’s Energiewende, a comprehensive strategy aimed at shifting towards sustainable energy sources.

NKT’s delivery for the project includes two sections of power cables and accessories, constituting one of the dual power cable systems for SuedLink, ordered by TenneT and Transnet BW respectively.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The project also features a custom-engineered solution to navigate the Elbe River and a salt mine.

The SuedLink cable system, with its 2x2GW capacity, is set to become one of the world’s longest underground HVDC power cable links and will distribute energy from onshore and offshore wind farms, as well as hydro power from Norway via the NordLink interconnector.

The interconnector, completed in 2021, also utilises a 525kV HVDC power cable system supplied by NKT.

The SuedLink corridor will be fully operational by 2028.

NKT executive vice-president and HV Solutions Cologne head Lukas Sidler stated: “The start of the installation is a major milestone in the ambitious SuedLink power cable project, which will play a central role in building the energy infrastructure needed for Germany’s transition to renewable energy.

“We are proud to continue the execution of TenneT’s order for this historic project, leveraging our leading execution capabilities.”

In October 2024, NKT secured a framework agreement with the Dutch distribution system operator Enexis Netbeheer to provide medium-voltage power cables.