JDR Cable Systems has completed type testing of next-generation 132kV subsea cables designed for both fixed and floating offshore wind, doubling the voltage of current industry standards.
The breakthrough supports deployment of larger turbines and enables projects to be built farther from shore and in deeper waters, helping cut clean energy costs and advance the UK’s net-zero targets.
JDR’s 132kV static array cables were developed with backing from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and tested at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. They will be produced at JDR’s Hartlepool facility and its new plant in Cambois, Northumberland.
“We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the energy sector ahead of time,” said Joe Cole, JDR’s technology manager. “Our 132kV technology is critical for enabling larger turbines and deeper-water floating wind.”
JDR has also completed qualification of its 132kV dynamic cable design through the £1.6m AHEAD project, part of the UK government’s Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Programme. The cables withstood more than 1.5 million tension-bending cycles during testing, validating their reliability in harsh marine conditions.
The firm is contributing technical insights to the international standards body CIGRE and working with the Carbon Trust to advance high-voltage array systems, reinforcing its position at the forefront of offshore wind cabling innovation.