Paris-based cable maker Nexans is spending $200 million to upgrade its factory in Charleston, South Carolina, so it can make high-voltage subsea cables for offshore wind farms, Forbes reported on January 21, 2021.
Nexans says the upgrade, due to be completed in September 2021, will make the Charleston site the only factory in North America producing these cables.
Key details
- The 350,000-square-foot plant opened in 2014 to make underground high-voltage cables for land-based power lines. Its location on the water was chosen with subsea cables in mind.
- Nexans says the plant will be able to deliver cables up to 150 miles long and weighing up to 10,000 tons. Longer cables mean fewer joints at sea.
- The company says its three-core XLPE cables reach up to 12 inches in diameter and 420 kV.
- Until offshore wind projects in the USA get going, the plant will supply projects abroad, including three 65-kilometer export cables for Scotland’s Seagreen wind farm.
- A new Nexans cable-laying vessel, the Aurora, was due in the second quarter of 2021.
“Now Nexans is positioned to serve this new offshore wind market in North and South America, as well as produce global exports.”
Brian Boan, director of transformation and projects, Nexans High Voltage USA
FAQ
Where is the plant?
Charleston, South Carolina.
How much is Nexans investing?
About $200 million.
What will it make?
High-voltage subsea cables for offshore wind farms.
Source & credit
Source: Forbes, January 21, 2021: “Offshore Wind Farms Will Soon Rely On High-Voltage Subsea Cables Made In The USA”.