Nexans Opens First North American High-Voltage Subsea Cable Plant

The Nexans Charleston high-voltage subsea cable plant marks a major milestone for U.S. clean energy production. Nexans, a global leader in cable manufacturing, has opened the first North American facility capable of producing high-voltage subsea cables up to 525 kV HVDC and 400 kV HVAC. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the new plant strengthens the company’s support for the growing offshore wind industry.

Powering the Future of Offshore Energy

The Charleston facility will produce a full range of export cables for offshore wind farms and subsea interconnectors. These products will help deliver power from offshore turbines to onshore grids. Beginning in 2022, Nexans will ship its first high-voltage export cable to a U.K. offshore wind project, marking a key step forward in its global renewable energy mission.

Learn more about Nexans’ sustainable energy work at nexans.com.

Strengthening the U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chain

The Nexans Charleston high-voltage subsea cable plant plays a crucial role in building the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. Energy leaders like Eversource, Ørsted, and Equinor are partnering with Nexans to advance renewable power and meet national energy goals.

Nexans recently signed a framework agreement with Eversource and Ørsted to provide the first U.S.-made subsea high-voltage cables. It also reached a preferred supplier agreement with Equinor for the Empire Wind 1 and 2 projects. Together, these partnerships position Nexans to support America’s growing offshore wind market.

Delivering Reliable Power for the Energy Transition

Nexans expects to deliver up to 1,000 kilometers of subsea cable for Ørsted and Eversource projects across North America by 2027. As a key supplier for Equinor’s Empire Wind and an early partner in Mayflower Wind, the company continues to expand its influence in the renewable energy transition.

With each new project, Nexans reinforces its commitment to supporting a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Electrifying the Future Through Innovation

“It’s an exciting time for the wind industry in the U.S.,” said Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin. “Our purpose is to ‘electrify the future,’ and this facility helps us do just that.”

The new plant combines decades of cable engineering experience with next-generation technology. For example, Nexans’ Cable Laying Vessel (CLV) Aurora—one of the industry’s most advanced ships—enables precise and efficient subsea cable installation worldwide.

Creating Jobs and Advancing Sustainability

Built in 2014 to serve the high-voltage transmission market, the Charleston facility has expanded to meet soaring demand from offshore wind developers. By the end of 2021, Nexans will have created more than 210 new jobs in South Carolina.

According to Guérin, these efforts support both economic development and environmental progress. Offshore wind, he said, will play a vital role in reducing emissions, creating jobs, and building a sustainable energy economy.

For additional details, visit the Nexans Charleston Plant page.

Author: WJI staff and wire services