Progress towards the development of a domestic direct current submarine power transmission network in Japan.
Our company has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Japan Ship Machinery Association (ClassNK) for the cable laying vessel (hereinafter referred to as the "vessel") aimed at the construction of a long-distance submarine direct current power transmission network in Japan.
Illustration of the cable laying vessel.
Areas suitable for wind power generation like Hokkaido are distant from the major electricity demand centers, so the development of transmission networks is a challenge to enhance future power generation. To tackle this issue, constructing a long-distance submarine direct current power transmission network using cable laying vessels is considered promising.
Our company, in collaboration with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., is participating in the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) project for the development of foundational technologies for multi-purpose multi-terminal direct current transmission systems, construction methods for cable protection tubes, and development of innovative cable laying vessels, as a consortium of four companies (refer to the related press release).
With the cooperation of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., our company is developing foundational technologies for cable laying vessels contributing to the maintenance of the domestic direct current submarine power transmission network, and with the support of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., we have obtained AiP from ClassNK.
We aim to contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by continuing to optimize the vessel design.
Background
- 2022: In NEDO's 'Basic Technology Development of Multi-Purpose Multi-Terminal High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission System,' Sumitomo Electric conducted the initial conceptual design of a self-propelled cable laying vessel suitable for the unique conditions in Japan as an outsourcing partner.
- 2023: In NEDO's public offering for 'Basic Technology Development of Multi-Purpose Multi-Terminal High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission System / Development of Cable Protection Tube Installation Method and Basic Technology Development of New Cable Laying Vessel,' a new adoption was received. Working under a collaborative system with Sumitomo Electric, the design of a self-propelled cable laying vessel is being carried out.
- 2024: Obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) for the conceptual design of the cable laying vessel from ClassNK.
- Future plans include advancing the design of this vessel and aiming to obtain approval for the basic design from ClassNK.
