Global push for ultra-long electricity cables raises opportunities and challenges

Developers are studying projects to connect distant regions with electricity cables that could exceed 4,000 kilometres, the Financial Times reported. Potential links include Canada to the United Kingdom and Australia to Singapore.

The idea is to harness renewable energy growth and balance electricity supply and demand by using differences in weather patterns and time zones.

A working example is the Viking interconnector, which began commercial operations in late 2023. The 765 km two-way cable links the UK and Denmark, developed jointly by National Grid and Energinet. It allows trading of electricity between the two markets by making use of variations in North Sea weather.

India has also advanced a vision for cross-border electricity exchange through the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative. Announced in 2018, the plan seeks to create a global solar-based electricity network, enabling the transfer of renewable power across regions and time zones. Both the Viking interconnector and OSOWOG reflect the emerging role of international grids in shaping energy cooperation.

Future ventures are larger in scope and cost. SunCable’s AAPowerLink project aims to supply solar power from Australia’s Northern Territory to Singapore through a 4,300 km cable, with an estimated investment of $26.4 billion. Clean energy banker Laurent Segalen and developer Simon Ludlam are also examining a 4,000 km interconnector between North America and Europe, which would allow Canada’s hydropower and the UK’s electricity system to support each other during low-demand periods.

Such undertakings face challenges that range from financial to political. Supply chain shortages, trade restrictions and high equipment demand are slowing progress. Questions over fair distribution of benefits have also created political friction, as seen in Norway’s debate over its electricity exports.

Technical complexity adds further risks. Laying cables across seabeds is a difficult process, noted Jacobs executive vice-president Fiachra Ó Cléirigh. The UK Government’s refusal to back the Xlinks project, a proposed one-way cable from Morocco to the UK, illustrates the uncertainties surrounding these projects.

Despite these barriers, industry participants including James Humfrey of the Morocco-UK Power Project and Ludlam remain confident about the role of long-distance interconnectors in expanding renewable energy use and deepening global cooperation.