SunCable Plans HV Cable Manufacturing Plant in Tasmania
SunCableย plans to build a newย high-voltage (HV) cable manufacturing plantย in Tasmania. The facility will produce cables for theย Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink)ย project. This move helps the company overcome supply delays and meet the massive cable demand for one of the worldโs biggest solar ventures.
Advancing the Australia-Asia PowerLink
Theย AAPowerLinkย aims to produceย 20 gigawatts (GW)ย of solar power in Australiaโs Northern Territory. The energy will flow toย Darwin, then continue toย Singaporeย through anย 800 km overhead lineย and aย 4,300 km subsea HVDC cable.
Currently, all advanced HVDC subsea cable factories operate in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, lead times for orders can stretch beyond eight years. By producing its own cables, SunCable expects faster turnaround and greater supply stability.
Renewed Focus After Ownership Change
SunCable regained direction in 2023 after leadership changes. Earlier disputes between Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew Forrest led to restructuring. Eventually,ย Grok Ventures, owned by Cannon-Brookes, acquired full control. With that transition complete, SunCable refocused on delivering its original goalโclean energy from Australia to Asia.
Building an Australian Cable Hub
SunCable plans to start construction inย 2025ย and manufacture its first HV cables byย 2029. The new plant will anchor the AAPowerLink project while creating significant local benefits.
The company also continues discussions with leading cable manufacturers toย co-develop and operateย the facility. The site atย Bell Bay, Tasmania, was chosen for its proximity to deep-water ports, reliable rail links, and renewable power sources. These advantages make it ideal for large-scale HVDC cable production.
Strengthening Renewable Energy Supply
Through this investment, SunCable hopes to reduce global HVDC cable shortages and support the growth of Australiaโs renewable sector. The new Tasmanian hub represents more than infrastructureโitโs a major step toward sustainable energy independence and regional resilience.
