Researchers work to develop hard-wearing thermoplastic cables

A team of researchers at the University of Southampton are working in conjunction with cable manufacturers and energy companies to ensure subsea cables are better insulated.

These underground wires have to withstand a number of environmental and manmade obstructions. Not only must the people who lay them be careful to avoid fish beds, coral reefs and submerged ships, there are also hazards once they have been placed on the sea bed. Boat anchors, fishing vessels and natural disasters all threaten to damage these valuable power lines.

It is particularly pertinent to improve the efficacy of subsea cables, as the offshore renewable energy industry flourishes and demand for underwater wires grows.

Those involved in the project hope using thermoplastics for high voltage cables will help improve their performance and will enable them to be recycled once they are no longer usable.

Chris Hill, director of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult that is involved in the project, said: "Using innovative materials and testing their robustness and resilience in cable designs could lead to a step change in electrical cable technology, and ultimately drive down whole life network costs."

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