Nexans secures €1bn LanWin 2 project under TenneT agreement

Nexans, a global leader in advanced cable systems, has strengthened its partnership with TenneT by securing the €1 billion LanWin 2 project. This initiative forms part of TenneT’s expansive offshore grid framework aimed at revolutionizing Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure. Expected to be operational by 2030, LanWin 2 will transmit 2 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy from Germany‘s North Sea to the mainland, reinforcing the region’s clean energy capabilities.

How Does the LanWin 2 Project Advance Renewable Energy Goals?

The LanWin 2 project is integral to TenneT’s 2 GW offshore grid connection program, which aims to secure Europe’s energy future by enhancing transmission capacity for renewable energy. Nexans will deliver the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of 250 km of 525 kV High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) cable systems. These cables, designed to minimize energy loss, will connect offshore converters in the North Sea with onshore converters in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

This state-of-the-art connection will supply clean wind energy to 2 million homes, contributing significantly to Germany’s renewable energy targets. By enabling a direct flow of electricity from wind farms to the grid, LanWin 2 reduces reliance on fossil fuels and bolsters the European Union’s sustainability objectives.

What Makes LanWin 2 Environmentally Friendly and Technologically Advanced?

Nexans’ advanced 525 kV HVDC XLPE cable technology is a cornerstone of the LanWin 2 project. This innovative solution minimizes power losses and enhances efficiency, making it a benchmark for modern grid systems. Additionally, TenneT employs Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) during construction, ensuring minimal disruption to environmentally sensitive areas, including the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park.

The project’s multiterminal hub, known as the HeideHub, integrates offshore and onshore grid connections into a meshed system. This groundbreaking design replaces traditional point-to-point configurations, offering greater flexibility and resilience. According to Nexans, this innovation lays the foundation for future interconnected energy grids in Europe.

How Does LanWin 2 Strengthen Energy Security?

LanWin 2 is not just a renewable energy project; it is a critical step in securing Europe’s energy independence. The multiterminal hub enables seamless integration of offshore wind energy with mainland power grids, ensuring a stable energy supply. The broader 2 GW offshore grid program, of which LanWin 2 is a part, will deliver up to 35 GW of renewable energy across Europe, enough to power 35 million households.

This transnational approach underscores TenneT’s commitment to accelerating offshore grid expansion while addressing the continent’s energy security concerns. The program is a vital pillar in achieving the European Union’s net-zero carbon targets by 2050.

What Role Does Nexans Play in Europe’s Energy Transition?

Nexans’ collaboration with TenneT builds on its legacy of delivering cutting-edge solutions for the energy sector. The LanWin 2 project follows a series of successful partnerships, including the DolWin 6 and BalWin 3 projects. Nexans’ plant in Halden, Norway, will manufacture the subsea cables for LanWin 2, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Pascal Radue, EVP of Nexans’ Power Transmission Business Group, stated:

“This project highlights Nexans’ dedication to delivering innovative cable solutions and reliable project execution to support Europe’s energy transition. The LanWin 2 initiative strengthens our position as a key enabler of renewable energy infrastructure.”

What Are the Broader Implications of the LanWin 2 Project?

LanWin 2 represents a significant step toward creating a sustainable, interconnected energy network in Europe. Its successful execution will not only enhance Germany’s renewable energy capacity but also serve as a model for future offshore grid projects. By prioritizing environmental protection and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Nexans and TenneT are setting a new standard for the global energy sector.

As Europe intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, projects like LanWin 2 demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive innovation and sustainability. The initiative is a testament to the role of advanced engineering and strategic collaboration in shaping a greener future.