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Prysmian Group – 2015 Sustainability Report
Sustainable Innovation
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Main projects
Numerous R&D projects have been progressed by the Group in all areas of activity. The most
significant are presented below.
Energy
Submarine cables
In addition to expansion of the product range, development activity in 2015 was mostly dedicated to the
creation of better performing products, especially in terms of power transmission and overall system
efficiency. This has reduced both the consumption of materials and energy losses under normal operating
conditions.
As part of the expansion of the tri-polar AC cables range, we have qualified the 220kV 50 Hz cable that will
be used for the long-distance transmission of the power generated by offshore wind farms. Additionally, we
have developed two new types of tri-polar cable with double steel wire armature for installation at medium-
high depths, close to 1,000 metres. In general, these cables will improve overall efficiency and the selection
of energy sources with a lower environmental impact.
New techniques for connecting conductors have been developed and tested internally, to confirm the
possibility of using large aluminium conductors and connecting conductors with different cross-sections and
materials. These technologies make designing both AC and DC systems more effective, with a consequent
reduction in the consumption of materials.
Testing of the first prototype using alternative armatures has also been completed, with a view to developing
cables for installation at great depth. Furthermore, a new prototype has been designed for installation at
depths in excess of 2,500 metres, using innovative reinforcements that were developed and fully checked
during the year. The ability to install cables at extreme depths will further contribute to the connection of
renewable energy sources with the power distribution grids.
With regard to MI cables, work has continued on the WesternLink – HVDC 600 kV project with PPL
technology and research has started on the use of alternative materials and on optimisation of the design,
with a view to increasing considerably the operating voltage from the current 600 kV.
Lastly, studies and simulations have continued with a view to reducing losses from the steel armatures of tri-
polar submarine cables. Optimisation of the design of these connectors, which are increasingly required for
offshore wind farm applications, will reduce not only operational losses but also their weight and size, due to
more precise dimensioning.
Terrestrial cables
Against a very dynamic background, the terrestrial cables market is becoming ever more demanding in terms
of improved performance, maximisation of the reliability of transmission systems and the number of
interconnections between grids. Given this, the objectives of our development activity were similar to those
described above in relation to submarine cables.