Superconducting cables for distant offshore wind farms
(Illustration: Nexans)
6 November 2025 – A European consortium including Nexans, Air Liquide and RTE has launched the SupraMarine project to develop a demonstrator for high-voltage AC superconducting cables. The system is intended to transmit power from distant offshore wind farms to shore with minimal energy loss. The cables rely on high-temperature superconductors cooled by liquid nitrogen, which gives them near-zero electrical resistance. The project will compare this approach with existing direct-current links and assess costs, efficiency and grid integration. By sourcing most components from European suppliers, the partners also aim to strengthen the regional industrial base for superconducting technology. If the demonstrator proves successful, this type of connection could cut the cost of far-offshore wind power and simplify parts of the grid infrastructure.
