Nexans Floating Solar Cable Contract Supports Equinor’s Offshore Frøya Pilot

Nexans, a long-term partner in renewable energy projects, announced a new contract with Equinor to supply the power export cable for its floating solar pilot offshore Frøya, Norway. The Nexans Floating Solar Cable Contract strengthens Nexans’ role in offshore electrification and innovative green energy solutions.

World’s First Rough-Water Floating Solar Plant

The Frøya pilot project is scheduled to start operation in December. At that point, it will become the world’s first floating solar plant designed specifically for rough offshore waters. The floating platform measures 80 m x 80 m and rises less than 3 meters above the sea surface. Yet, it will host an array of solar panels that can produce up to 1 megawatt of power.

Export Cable Design and Offshore Challenges

Under the Nexans Floating Solar Cable Contract, Nexans will supply 5 km of 22 kV export cable to connect the floating platform from shallow waters to land. The biggest challenge involves handling dynamic loads as the platform pitches and moves with the waves.

To manage this, Nexans will use a three-core cable design already proven in offshore wind farms and fish farming installations. The company will manufacture the cable at its Rognan plant in Norway, which adds local expertise and shorter logistics routes.

Advancing Offshore Renewable Innovation

“Our mission at Nexans is to electrify the world,” said Krister Granlie, vice president of the submarine telecom and special cables business unit. He noted that this mission means exploring every opportunity to support new sources of green energy. Therefore, Nexans is excited to work again with Equinor on a project that pushes the boundaries of offshore renewable power.

Floating Solar’s Rapid Global Growth

Today, utility-scale floating solar power ranks among the fastest-growing renewable technologies. Governments and investors worldwide continue to search for safer, sustainable, and decarbonized energy options. Consequently, analysts expect nearly 10 gigawatts of new floating solar capacity to be deployed by 2025, with projects like Frøya helping to validate the technology in demanding marine environments.

Author: WJI staff and wire services