Longest 500 kV underground link between two Shanghai substations

Project description: 

• Nexans manufactured and installed a 17-km 500 kV underground power cable circuit between Shibo and Sanlin substations in Shanghai, the first intra-city cable of this size using XLPE insulation.

Customer challenges:

• Time was a factor, since new infrastructure was being installed for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
• The underground tunnel zigzagged across the city requiring over 100 perfect joints, and had to pass under the Huangpu River.
• Population density required careful planning and logistics.
• Training was important for future maintenance.

Nexans solutions:

• Three separate 17 km lengths were laid within the cable tunnel.
• For the cable, a metallic screen was used in smooth laminated aluminum, which was a much lighter solution than conventional lead.
• The cable was drawn in record time using computer control.
• Nexans fully supervised the project and provided extensive training in our Training Center.