Prysmian Group has developed and tested a new 3500mm2 400kV AlMil cable with a conductive core made of aluminium.
Transmission operator TenneT, which worked with Prysmian on the cable, said the cable will be used immediately in a 9 km-long underground section of the new Randstad 380kV North Ring between Vijfhuizen and Bleiswijk.
The aluminium core means the cable if much cheaper to cheaper than copper, TenneT said.
The aluminium core and the plastic layer are also covered by a so-called ‘earth sheath’ consisting of an aluminium shell ring, which is less burdensome on the environment than the traditionally used lead sheath.
TenneT chief operating officer Ben Voorhorst said: “It is just as reliable as the copper core cables we have used so far, but results in a significant cost reduction of 20 to 30%.
“The cable is also lighter and therefore easier to handle and install.”
Image: section of the new cable (TenneT)
