TenneT 525 kV Power Cable Projects Strengthen Europe’s Energy Grid
TenneT, the transmission system operator (TSO) for the Netherlands and parts of Germany, has launched major TenneT 525 kV power cable projects worth about €5.5 billion. The company selected NKT, Nexans, and a consortium of LS Cable, Jan De Nul, and Denys to design, produce, and install nearly 7,000 kilometers of high‑voltage cables for offshore and onshore systems.
This investment supports TenneT’s mission to expand 525 kV direct current (DC) infrastructure across Europe. As a result, these projects will greatly enhance renewable power integration, reinforce grid reliability, and help meet Europe’s clean energy targets.
TenneT 525 kV Power Cable Projects Expand Grid Capacity
TenneT currently operates more than 25,000 kilometers of high‑voltage lines and cables across the Netherlands and Germany. With its 525 kV power cable expansion, the company continues to extend its grid connections both offshore and onshore.
The framework includes 14 offshore wind power links, five already operational in early 2023, plus one large onshore DC project. Each connection will transmit 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, further advancing Europe’s energy transition.
NKT Powers Key Sections of the TenneT 525 kV Expansion
NKT will deliver cable systems for Nederwiek 3, Doordewind 1, and Doordewind 2, located in Geertruidenberg, Moerdijk, and Eemshaven. The order covers 100 km of onshore and 300 km of offshore cable.
To avoid environmental disruption in the Capbreton Canyon, NKT will divide the project into multiple onshore and offshore segments. In addition, the company will manufacture the cables at its Karlskrona, Sweden, high‑voltage plant, with full commissioning expected in 2028.
Nexans Advances TenneT 525 kV Power Cable Projects in Germany
Nexans will supply high‑voltage DC cables for BalWin3 and LanWin4, which connect to Wilhelmshaven, and for LanWin2, extending to Heide in Schleswig‑Holstein. These systems will improve Germany’s offshore power delivery and strengthen national grid reliability.
LS Cable Consortium Expands the 525 kV Network in Lower Saxony
The LS Cable–Jan De Nul–Denys consortium will manage BalWin4, LanWin1, and LanWin5, connecting to the Unterweser and Rastede areas. Furthermore, the team will support the NordOstLink project in Schleswig‑Holstein, part of the TenneT 525 kV power cable projects.
NordOstLink represents a joint effort between TenneT and German TSO 50Hertz. Together, the companies will deliver a smarter, stronger, and more interconnected power grid for northern Europe.
Future of Europe’s 525 kV Transmission Infrastructure
The contracts include all aspects of engineering, production, project management, and construction. Work began in 2023, with onshore installation planned after 2025 and offshore cable laying starting in 2026.
Each offshore connection provides 2 GW of capacity and will come online by 2031; NordOstLink will follow in 2032.
TenneT COO Tim Meyerjürgens highlighted the importance of this large‑scale effort:
“With this award, we will implement around 7,000 km of DC cable for onshore and offshore systems in Germany and the Netherlands by 2032.”
Each 2 GW system will feature a positive and negative conductor, a metallic return, and a fiber‑optic cable for real‑time monitoring and communication.
