European TSOs investigate co-operation on offshore cable infrastructure

The TSOs, from Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, signed a memorandum of understanding at WindEurope in Madrid this week, marking the start of a joint effort to strengthen the structural robustness of the infrastructure needed to make the energy transition happen. The initiative is open to other transmission system operators within the Offshore TSO Collaboration (OTC) Group.

“As the volume of offshore wind energy increases and countries become more connected via interconnectors, high-voltage cables on the seabed are becoming an increasingly important link in Europe’s electricity supply,” said the TSOs. “These are complex and strategic assets, vital to the reliable transmission of renewable energy to the mainland. Incidents or prolonged interruptions can put the system under pressure and may have both social and economic impacts.”

By signing the MoU, the five TSOs – Elia (Belgium), Energinet (Denmark), 50Hertz (Germany), and TenneT (Germany and the Netherlands) – have committed to investigating the exchange of strategic and technical approaches. 

By sharing knowledge of repair procedures, spare parts and fault detection, and by jointly mapping available vessels, materials, and technical capabilities, the parties want to evaluate possible efficiency gains and joint potential. The desired result is faster, more efficient repairs with less impact on the system and the associated costs.

The co-operation will take shape through four thematic working groups, focusing on repair logistics, spare parts and equipment, fault detection, and the legal/financial framework, respectively. Each of these topics plays a key role in limiting the downtime of cable systems. By jointly investigating which solutions are scalable and how the deployment of resources can be optimised, the TSOs believe they can enhance efficiency.

The TSOs said signing the MoU “marks the starting point of a process that will continue to take shape in the coming months.” If the feasibility phase confirms that a joint approach offers significant benefits, the initiative could develop into sustainable and structural co-operation. 

Elia chief executive Frédéric Dunon said, “With the growth of offshore wind, the reliability of our subsea cables is becoming increasingly crucial. By joining forces with fellow TSOs, we are both improving the operational robustness of the network and ensuring that we deploy resources more intelligently and can respond faster when it matters.”