The Marinus Link interconnector project continues to progress, with Prysmian awarded a €600 million contract to supply and install the project’s high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables.
The contract ensures the design, manufacture, supply and installation for Stage 1 of the interconnector, a 750MW HVDC cable system.
The project’s cables span 345km (255km undersea across Bass Strait and 90km underground in Gippsland, Victoria) with the completion date for the interconnector set for 2030.
Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) is owned by the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian governments and is responsible for progressing the Marinus Link interconnector project.
Marinus Link CEO, Caroline Wykamp, said that Prysmian is the largest cable manufacturer in the world.
“Prysmian has proven and global expertise in delivering projects like Marinus Link.
“We have booked their most advanced cabling vessel – the Leonardo Da Vinci.
“Marinus Link will enable Tasmania to import excess supply of solar and wind produced interstate, while reserving its hydro and storing the extra energy. Clean hydropower can then feed the national grid when it is needed most, acting as a large battery for the nation.”
The commencement of the works is subject to the issuance of a notice to proceed, which is expected by August 2025. This agreement follows the prior announcement of a capacity reservation agreement, communicated in September 2023.
Under the contract, Prysmian will design, test, supply and install a HVDC cable system, consisting of 320kV single-core cables with XLPE insulation and single-wire armouring, covering both submarine and land sections. Prysmian will also provide a fully integrated PRY-CAM permanent monitoring system.
Submarine cables will be produced at Prysmian’s centre of excellence in Arco Felice, Italy, while land cables will be produced in Delft, Netherlands, or Gron, France. Installation operations will be delivered with Prysmian’s cable-laying vessel, the Leonardo da Vinci.
Prysmian Executive Vice President – Transmission, Hakan Ozmen, said “This project strengthens our global leadership, as well as our position in Oceania’s fast-growing renewables market. We are proud to support Australia in its goal to combine the benefits of renewable energy to deliver low-cost, reliable, and clean energy to customers.”
Featured image: The Prsymian cable laying vessel, Leonardo Da Vinci. Image credit: MLPL.
