Nexans Equinor Oseberg Power Cable Wins €80M+ Deal
Nexans, a global cable and electrification specialist, secured a more than €80 million contract from Equinor, Norway’s state‑owned energy company, to supply the Nexans Equinor Oseberg power cable system. The project will deliver electricity directly from the Norwegian onshore grid to the Oseberg Field Centre in the North Sea.
This direct grid connection helps Equinor reduce offshore emissions and, at the same time, rely more on Norway’s clean hydropower.
132 kV Cable Design with Integrated Fiber Optics
The system uses a single three‑core 132 kV AC cable that can deliver up to 180 MW to the main Oseberg platform. Nexans will also integrate two fiber optic cables, each with 48 single‑mode fibers, into the power cable bundle.
These fibers link to a central distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. As a result, operators can monitor the cable in real time, detect early warning signs, and respond quickly to potential technical issues. Nexans will manufacture the cable at its Halden, Norway plant.
How the Nexans Equinor Oseberg Power Cable Cuts Emissions
Nexans has worked with Equinor for many years on grid and renewable projects. With the Nexans Equinor Oseberg power cable, the field can draw power from Norway’s mainly hydropower‑based grid instead of relying only on offshore gas turbines.
This shift is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from parts of the Oseberg area by around 50%. In turn, it supports Equinor’s broader climate strategy and Norway’s net‑zero ambitions.
Installation with Nexans Aurora to Save Time and Costs
The Oseberg field sits in the North Sea, about 140 km northwest of Bergen. Nexans will install the cable using its modern cable‑laying vessel Nexans Aurora.
Aurora can lay the cable in one compact installation campaign, which shortens offshore time. Consequently, the method lowers project costs and reduces environmental impact because it needs fewer trips and shorter transport distances.
Nexans’ Role in the Energy Transition
“Electrifying business operations in the energy sector plays an important part in reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting the global transition to net zero,” said Ragnhild Katteland, executive vice president for Nexans’ subsea and land systems business group.
Moreover, Equinor recently awarded Nexans a contract to supply the export cable for what will be the world’s first floating solar plant designed for rough offshore waters, further deepening their low‑carbon partnership.
