The development trend of submarine cable projects for achieving optimal allocation of energy using international power grid interconnection

Abstract

In the international and regional interconnection of the power grid, submarine cable transmission engineering is a critical component for network construction and optimizing energy allocation. This paper describes the condition of the regional power grid interconnection of submarine cable projects around the world since the 1990's and the development trends of cross ocean power grid connection projects in different countries. It summarizes and analyses the electricity transmission method applied in submarine cable projects. It provides references and insights to the research for electricity transmission method used in the cross ocean interconnecting projects and to the choice of transmission method adopted in the interconnecting projects. It points out advantages and shortcomings of the direct current transmission system applied in submarine cable projects and the strong point that VSC HVDC is used in the submarine cable projects. In the process of achieving grid internationalization, regional power grid interconnection and optimal energy allocation, submarine cable transmission engineering is an important component for network construction. In recent years, with the development of international power transmission technology, together with the trend of economic integration, optimal allocation of energy and reducing the impact on the environment, the cross-sea power transmission, manufacturing technology of the submarine cable and submarine cable engineering technology continues to make progress. The construction of submarine cable is constrained by geographical construction conditions, ocean engineering conditions and construction equipment. The construction involves a wide range of technology with a large investment scale and complex techniques. This construction would be separated into two stages. The preparation stage includes engineering design, submarine cable routing, cable manufacturing and transportation. The construction stage is composed of submarine cable routing orientation, submarine cable laying, on-land equipment installation, test and commissioning and quality control of the work. The main elements of the submarine cable transmission project construction includes regional power grid interconnection across the waters, power supply to oceanic islands and an oil drilling platform and transport marine renewable energy through grid-connected. Impacted from international energy resource optimal utilization, improving national energy safety and reliability from each country and realizing power exchange among different countries, the submarine cable construction can continue to push the international energy structure change, establishing global energy structure for a further development.